The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is closely monitoring a potential cyclone, likely to be named "Shakti," forming in the Bay of Bengal in May 2025. This development coincides with the advancement of the southwest monsoon in the region.
An upper air cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea is under observation and may develop into a low-pressure system between May 16 and 22. Forecasts suggest this system could intensify into a cyclone between May 23 and 28. However, the IMD has not yet confirmed the formation of a cyclone.
The southwest monsoon has advanced into parts of the south Bay of Bengal, south Andaman Sea, Nicobar Islands, and some parts of the north Andaman Sea as of May 13, 2025. Conditions are favorable for the monsoon to advance further into the south Arabian Sea, Maldives, Comorin area, and other parts of the Bay of Bengal.
Heavy rainfall is expected in several parts of India due to these weather systems. Isolated heavy rainfall is likely over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from May 14-16. A yellow alert has been issued in several districts of Karnataka, with pre-monsoon showers expected. Heat wave conditions are likely in isolated pockets of Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand around May 14-15.