No prediction whether Cyclone Amphan would make India landfall
The low-pressure area is likely to move towards central parts of south Bay of Bengal and may form into cyclone Amphan by May 16 Photo: IMD A low-pressure area over south-east Bay of Bengal and the south Andaman sea — formed on May 13, 2020 morning — may result in the subsequent formation of a cyclone by May 16 evening, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The low-pressure area is likely to move towards central parts of south Bay of Bengal and intensify into a depression by May 15.
The cyclone — that will be named Amphan — will likely initially move in the north-western direction and then curve towards the north-east. IMD has not given any information about a possible landfall of the cyclone in India or anywhere else yet.
This is the second low-pressure area to form in the region in the past two weeks. A low-pressure area earlier formed on May 1, but did not further intensify, despite the IMD’s prediction of it intensifying into a depression.
The intensification of the low-pressure area was delayed and eventually fizzled out, starting from May 6. This was because of a strong vertical shear — the change in winds from the surface to the upper atmosphere that suppress cyclones — according to IMD.
“In association with the above system, the conditions will become favourable for advance of south-west monsoon over south Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea and Andaman and Nicobar Islands around May 16,” the IMD said.
Light to moderate rainfall over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on May 15 and 16 is likely because of the low-pressure area, the IMD said, adding there may be heavy rain in some areas as well.
Fisherfolk were also warned to not venture into the southern and central regions of the Bay of Bengal on May 15 and 16. It also advised them to not travel to south-west and west central parts of the Bay of Bengal from May 16 onwards.
Wind speeds of up to 75 kilometre per hour (km / hr) will be witnessed on May 15 and 16, increasing to 85 km / hr after that period, according to the IMD.
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