8 Things To Know About Super Cyclone Yaas

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has now warned that a cyclone will develop in the east-central Bay of Bengal around May 23. If this happens, it will be called as cyclone Yaas, a name given by Oman.

“We have indicated in our bulletin that there is a likelihood of formation of a low-pressure area over Bay of Bengal next week. In our outlook on cyclogenesis also we have indicated that the low-pressure system can intensify. As soon as it comes in our forecast skill range we will mention it in our forecasts,” said Sunitha Devi, in charge - cyclones at the IMD.

Here's what we know about cyclone Yaas:

1. The warning about the emergence of super cyclone Yaas comes after cyclone Tauktae wrecked havoc upon Maharashtra, Gujrat, and other states. On 17 May, Tauktae hit southern Gujrat, and its remnants are now heading towards the northern parts of India.
2. On Wednesday, IMD officials said that a low pressure system will start developing within 48 hours, and will intensify to form a cyclone.
3. This system is bound to develop near the north Andaman sea, and will head towards either Odisha, or West Bengal by  the evening of 26 May.
4. If this happens, this will become the second storm of 2021, and the first one to form over the Bay of Bengal this year.
5. Light to moderate rainfall is expected in the eastern coast of India. However, the Andaman and Nicobar islands are likely to face heavy to very heavy rainfall on May 22 and 23.
6. Sunita Devi from the IMD had said that the temperature of the sea is above the normal range over the Bay of Bengal, and Arabian sea. There is a difference of 1-2 degree celsius in temperature.
7. Devi also added that the both the oceanic and atmospheric conditions are favourable for cyclone development.
8. Squally winds at a speed of  45–55 kmph are expected to increase to 50–60 kmph over the Andaman sea, and the eastcentral Bay of Bengal on May 23.