s the Indian summer heats up, another formidable weather system is stirring in the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has officially identified an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Andaman Sea. If conditions persist, this system could intensify into a full-fledged cyclonic storm—tentatively named Cyclone Shakti—within the next 7 to 10 days.
Though not yet classified as a cyclone, early indicators suggest the system has the potential to develop into a severe weather event with possible landfall across the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal or southern Bangladesh between May 23 and May 28.
🌀 What Is Cyclone Shakti?
Cyclone Shakti, as it may be named if it intensifies, is a developing weather system that originates from a cyclonic circulation detected over the Bay of Bengal. The naming follows the 2025 cyclone naming list prepared by the WMO/ESCAP panel on tropical cyclones.
“A low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast Bay of Bengal around May 16. It may intensify into a depression and further strengthen. We’re monitoring its trajectory closely,” said an IMD official on Wednesday.
📍 Which Areas Could Be Affected?
According to early projections, the storm system could move in a northwestward or north-northeastward direction, depending on upper-atmosphere wind patterns and sea surface temperatures.
Potentially Affected Regions:
- Odisha (Paradip, Puri, Bhubaneswar)
- West Bengal (Digha, Kolkata, South 24 Parganas)
- Bangladesh (Khulna, Chattogram)
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Initial rainfall, high winds)
These areas are being urged to stay alert for official bulletins from the IMD and state disaster management authorities.
🌧️ Link to Monsoon Onset
Interestingly, meteorologists say Cyclone Shakti could either aid or delay the monsoon onset, depending on how it evolves.
“If the system moves away quickly after landfall, it might create a vacuum that pulls in monsoon winds. But if it lingers or moves inland, it could delay the monsoon’s progress across the Indian subcontinent,” explained climate expert Dr. P.K. Mahapatra.
The normal onset date for the southwest monsoon in Kerala is June 1, and any cyclonic disturbance in May usually has significant implications for seasonal rainfall.
✈️ Travel & Logistics Advisory
While it is still too early to issue red alerts or formal evacuation notices, travelers and logistics operators are advised to prepare for delays and potential cancellations starting from May 22.
Air Travel Impact:
- Possible flight delays in Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, and Port Blair.
- Airport authorities may suspend services temporarily if wind speeds exceed safety thresholds.
Rail & Road Transport:
- Flood-prone areas in Bengal and Odisha may experience waterlogging.
- Railway services along the east coast could face disruptions.
Shipping & Ports:
- Fishermen have been strictly advised to not venture into the Bay of Bengal after May 19.
- Ports like Paradip, Haldia, and Visakhapatnam are on alert for early preparation.
🧰 Government Preparedness & Response
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has begun pre-positioning units in strategic locations. Odisha’s Special Relief Commissioner held a high-level review meeting on Wednesday to ensure readiness for any eventuality.
“We have asked district collectors to keep cyclone shelters, food stock, and emergency communication lines ready,” said Odisha SRC Satyabrata Sahu.
In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has asked all district magistrates to remain on standby and ensure that early warning systems are active in all vulnerable coastal blocks.
Bangladesh’s disaster management authority is also preparing to activate cyclone warning signals for ports and coastal residents in Khulna and Chattogram divisions.
🗣️ Public Reactions & Online Trends
With #CycloneShakti trending on X (formerly Twitter), many citizens are taking to social media to share preparations, previous storm experiences, and even memes.
- “Hope Cyclone Shakti doesn’t mess with my wedding plans in Puri!” wrote a user from Cuttack.
- “Odisha is always the first to face the storm. Stay strong!” tweeted another.
- Hashtags like #CyclonePrep, #BengalStorm, and #MonsoonDelay are also trending.
While humor and speculation are common online, authorities urge the public to rely only on official sources like IMD, NDMA, and state governments for credible information.
🌱 Environmental Angle: More Cyclones in a Warming Bay
Climate scientists point out that the Bay of Bengal has seen a rise in cyclonic activity in recent decades, largely attributed to warming sea surface temperatures.
“The Bay of Bengal is now one of the world’s most active cyclone basins. Climate change is intensifying storm formation, and Cyclone Shakti could be another example,” said Dr. Anupama Raghavan, a climate analyst.
In May alone, recent history includes:
- Cyclone Amphan (2020) – Devastated Bengal
- Cyclone Yaas (2021) – Major floods in Odisha and Jharkhand
- Cyclone Mocha (2023) – Severely impacted parts of Myanmar and Bangladesh
✅ What You Should Do Now
For Residents in Affected Areas:
- Stay updated via imd.gov.in, TV, or government alerts.
- Keep emergency kits ready (water, food, power banks, medication).
- Prepare for evacuation if you live in low-lying areas.
- Do not spread or believe in rumors online.
For Travelers:
- Consider postponing travel to Odisha, Bengal, or Andaman after May 21.
- Check with airlines or railway stations for real-time updates.
- Be aware of cancellation policies.
🧭 What Happens Next?
The next few days are crucial. If the system strengthens into a depression or deep depression by May 18–19, then Cyclone Shakti will likely form and could start affecting land by May 23 onward.
The IMD will issue frequent bulletins every 6 hours once the system is classified as a depression or more. The Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) in Delhi will provide naming, wind speed projections, landfall forecasts, and rainfall warnings.
Cyclone Shakti is still in the formative stages, but India and its neighbours cannot afford to take any chances. With the memory of devastating cyclones fresh in people’s minds, officials are prioritizing readiness and early communication.
TalesXP will continue to provide real-time coverage and impact updates across Odisha, Bengal, and Bangladesh. Stay connected, stay informed, and stay safe.