Cyclone Shakti intensifies over Arabian Sea with IMD warnings issued
Source:Indian Express ↗
Why It Matters
Tropical cyclones are a recurring natural hazard in India. Tracking cyclogenesis trends in the Arabian Sea versus the Bay of Bengal, understanding the climatic factors involved (like sea surface temperature), and analyzing the efficacy of IMD's warning mechanisms are recurring themes in both GS1 (Geography) and GS3 (Disaster Management).
Summary
Cyclone 'Shakti', the first cyclonic storm of 2025 in the North Indian Ocean basin, has intensified into a severe storm over the Arabian Sea. Although it is moving away from the Indian coast and will not make landfall, it is expected to bring rough seas and strong winds to the coastal regions of Gujarat and Maharashtra. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has actively issued warnings and advised fishermen against venturing into the sea. The event highlights the dynamics of tropical cyclogenesis during the pre-monsoon season in the region and the critical importance of early warning systems for coastal hazard mitigation.
Key Points
- Cyclone 'Shakti' has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea, marking the first cyclone of the 2025 pre-monsoon season in the North Indian Ocean basin.
- While the storm is tracking away from the Indian coast and poses no direct landfall threat, the IMD has warned of rough seas and squally winds along the Gujarat and Maharashtra coasts.
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued critical early warnings, advising fishermen to avoid the Northwest Arabian Sea.
- The North Indian Ocean, encompassing the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, typically experiences peak cyclogenesis during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon transition periods.
Important Terms
India Meteorological Department (IMD)
Established in 1875, the principal agency under the Ministry of Earth Sciences responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and disaster warnings like cyclonic storms and heatwaves.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Disaster Management). Tests institutional frameworks for hazard monitoring and the agency’s role in coastal disaster mitigation.
Severe Cyclonic Storm
An IMD classification for tropical cyclones where maximum sustained surface wind speeds range between 48 and 63 knots (89-117 kmph), posing significant threats to property.
UPSC context
GS Paper I (Geography). Tests knowledge of cyclone intensity scales and classification criteria for different storm categories.
Tropical Cyclogenesis
The process of tropical cyclone development and intensification, requiring specific conditions like warm sea surface temperatures (>27°C), atmospheric instability, and low vertical wind shear.
UPSC context
GS Paper I (Geography). Tests technical understanding of cyclone formation and the influence of climate change on storm dynamics.
Early Warning System (EWS)
A technology-led framework (e.g., IMD’s color-coded alerts) that monitors hazards and communicates risks to ensure timely disaster preparedness and mitigation.
UPSC context
GS Paper III (Disaster Management). Tests mitigation strategies, Sendai Framework goals, and technology's role in reducing disaster-related casualties.
Arabian Sea Cyclones
Tropical storms in the western Indian Ocean; historically less frequent than Bay of Bengal cyclones but increasing in frequency and intensity due to rising sea temperatures.
UPSC context
GS Paper I (Geography). Tests regional climate patterns and the impact of global warming on North Indian Ocean dynamics.
Prelims Trap
"IMD independently selects and assigns names to all tropical cyclones emerging in the North Indian Ocean."
IMD is the regional nodal agency (RSMC), but it assigns names strictly from a pre-determined, rotational list contributed by 13 WMO/ESCAP member nations.
Static Concepts Connected
Why is the Arabian Sea experiencing a higher frequency of severe cyclones?
- Rising SSTs: Sea Surface Temperatures in the Arabian Sea have increased by 1.2-1.4°C, supplying surplus latent heat required for intense cyclogenesis.
- Changing historical ratio: Historically, the Bay of Bengal to Arabian Sea cyclone ratio was 4:1, but rapid regional warming is rapidly narrowing this geographical gap.
What is the IMD's colour-coded weather warning system for cyclones?
- Yellow (Watch): Issued to advise the public to 'be updated' and aware of developing severe weather conditions.
- Orange (Alert): Issued to advise disaster management authorities and the public to 'be prepared' for adverse conditions.
- Red (Warning): Signifies an extreme threat; demands immediate 'action' to protect life and property from severe impacts.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Arabian Sea warming + IOD dynamics
Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) events enhance western Arabian Sea warming, linking oceanic-atmospheric oscillations to the increased vulnerability of India's western coastline to severe pre-monsoon storms.
Cyclogenesis + Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ)
The rising threat of Arabian Sea squalls reinforces the need for strict CRZ adherence, protecting mangroves and estuaries that serve as vital bio-shields against storm surges and coastal inundation.
Expect a 2026 Prelims statement contrasting historic Bay of Bengal cyclogenesis with the recent climate-driven spike in Arabian Sea storms.
Linked PYQs · 4
Linked PYQs · 4
- 2014MainsGS1
Tropical cyclones are largely confined to South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why?
- 2022MainsGS1
Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department.
- 2024MainsGS1
What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones?
- 2020MainsGS3
Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach.
