Cyclone Michaung to trigger heavy rain in Odisha, to cross AP coast on Dec 5…
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that Tropical Cyclone Michaung will make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, between Nellore and Machilipatnam in Bapatla district, on Tuesday (December 5). As of Monday evening, the cyclone, positioned about 80 km southeast of Nellore and 120 km north-northeast of Chennai, was moving northward, impacting Tamil Nadu, parts of Andhra Pradesh, and southern Odisha with heavy rainfall.
This cyclone’s unusual intensity in December is uncommon due to adverse oceanic conditions in the North Indian Ocean. Typically, storms of this magnitude do not form during this time of year. Initially categorized as a ‘tropical cyclone,’ Michaung was later upgraded to a ‘severe’ storm by the IMD, with wind speeds reaching 88 kph to 166 kph.
The IMD highlighted the unique intensification of this December cyclone, attributing it to above-normal heat index values off the southern Andhra Pradesh coast. While the North Indian Ocean witnesses an average of about five cyclones annually, those originating in the Bay of Bengal tend to cause more damage than those in the Arabian Sea.
Cyclone development in this region predominantly occurs during the pre-monsoon (April-June) and post-monsoon (October-December) months. Favorable oceanic conditions contribute to the higher intensities of cyclones forming during these periods.Browse our partner-sponsored Glasses, with a variety of options to suit every taste and budget, available to buy online
Understanding Cyclone Intensification
Tropical cyclones thrive on warm ocean temperatures, particularly those exceeding 26 degrees Celsius at depths between 50 to 100 meters. Factors like Tropical Cyclone Heat Potential (TCHP) significantly influence their formation and strengthening.
The complex intensification process involves several atmospheric conditions, including boundary layers, wind shear, convection, Rossby waves, upper ocean circulation, and air-sea interaction.
Anticipated Aftermath and Impact
IMD forecasts predict very heavy to extremely heavy rain in several Andhra Pradesh districts, warning of potential crop damage, particularly to paddy, pineapple, and standing crops near harvest. Additionally, storm surges up to 1.5 meters and strong winds ranging from 90-100 kph gusting to 110 kph are expected during landfall.
Following the landfall, the cyclone is projected to move northwestward, impacting southern Odisha, triggering an ‘orange’ alert from the IMD.
The system’s progression demands vigilance, as it poses risks of flash floods, inundation in low-lying areas, and potential damage to standing crops and infrastructure.
Rising Cyclonic Activity in Arabian Sea: Causes, Impact, and Measures
