Forecasts indicate low-pressure area forming in Arabian Sea, could intensify into Cyclone Tauktae

In the midst of an ever-growing number of Covid-19 cases and deaths, Gujarat might face the wrath of a natural disaster as well in the coming days, as a cyclone might head towards its coast over the next 10 days.

Global forecasts have indicated that a low-pressure area forming in the Arabian Sea will intensify into Cyclone Tauktae in the coming days. While some models have the weather system progressing towards Oman or Pakistan, the European Ensemble Prediction System (EPS) predicts that the cyclone will make landfall at the Gujarat coast by May 17.

"As of now, the system is progressing in the northwestern direction from the Arabian Sea," M. Mohapatra, director general at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) told ET. Mohapatra, who is called the Cyclone Man of India, said that while it is too early to be sure of which route the cyclone will take, IMD is keeping a close track of the LPA's intensification and will issue directives accordingly.

If it reaches the Indian coast, it will be India's first cyclone this year. Last year, India had seen two cyclones by May — Amphan in the Bay of Bengal, and Nisarga in the Arabian Sea. On average, there are 5 cyclones taking place in a year in either sea, with Arabian Sea typically seeing only one every year.