Cyclone Mocha may not hit West Bengal, temperature may keep soaring till Thursday

KOLKATA: Cyclone Mocha, if formed, is unlikely to hit the Bengal coast, according to Met department sources. As of now, it seems it may be veering into the eastern range of the Bay, affecting Myanmar and bringing only moderate thundershowers to Bengal, said weather officials. But it is not possible to predict the course of the system at this juncture, they added.
Till Thursday, however, there is little chance of rain in Kolkata. And till then, soaring temperature may create a heatwave-like situation in south Bengal. On Sunday, the city clocked a maximum temperature of 38.3°C. In Dum Dum and Salt Lake, the maximum temperature reached 39°C. According to Met sources, south Bengal districts may cool down a little after Thursday following thundershowers caused by Mocha.
The temperature in several Bengal districts, including Kolkata, crossed 38°C on Sunday, while Bankura and Burdwan touched 40.5°C.
The impending formation of a low-pressure zone in southeast Bay of Bengal prevented moisture incursion in the coastal regions of the state, which, in turn, prevented rain.
While the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) are yet to trace the formation of a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal to determine the cyclone's path, as of Sunday, it seems Mocha may veer towards southern Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
RMC deputy director general Sanjib Bandyopadhyay said a cyclonic circulation is forming over southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining southern Andaman Sea. While there may be less impact on Bengal, there may be extremely heavy rain in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on May 10 and 11. "It is very difficult to determine the cyclone's path until an area of low pressure develops. As of now, it seems Mocha might affect Myanmar. But once the low pressure develops, it might take a completely opposite course. However, wherever it makes landfall, there may be some resultant thunderstorms in Kolkata and neighbouring districts," Das added.
The maximum temperature for Monday may be 38°C, accompanied by clear sky, and there is likely to be sufficient humidity to prevent excessive discomfort.
Two coastal districts of Bengal have, however, geared up to tackle the possible threat of Mocha. Both East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas held drills with members of the interdepartmental committee formed to mitigate the impact of any storm. The district authorities have formed a committee with key officials of health, PWD, disaster management, police, power, and agriculture and fisheries. The flood shelters have been stocked with dry food and potable water.