Cyclone Tej brewing in Arabian Sea, Mumbai on high alert

People of Mumbai are on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of a possible post-monsoon cyclone, Cyclone Tej, developing in the Arabian Sea.

What

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is closely monitoring the Arabian Sea for indications of a potential post-monsoon cyclone, projected to occur on October 22-23. This upcoming cyclone, potentially named Cyclone Tej, is currently taking shape.

• The IMD has issued a stern warning to the people of Mumbai to beware of the cyclonic storm. 
• As per Monday's IMD weather report, a low-pressure zone is expected to form in the southeast and adjacent east-central Arabian Sea within the next 48 hours. 

• This system may evolve into a cyclonic storm in the central Arabian Sea by around October 21.
• The months of October through December are prime times for cyclone formation in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, driven by elevated sea temperatures.

• While the likelihood of the system developing into a cyclonic storm is low, the IMD is exercising due caution regarding the possibility of Mumbai encountering its first post-monsoon cyclone.
• The IMD's Santacruz observatory, monitoring weather data for Mumbai's suburbs, noted a temperature of 36.4 degrees Celsius. 
• In contrast, the Colaba observatory, responsible for tracking meteorological data in the city, recorded a high of 33.2 degrees Celsius., as mentioned by the IMD.
• Mumbai’s close-neighbour Pune will also see cooler temperatures, averaging 16-17°C from October 22-25. Meanwhile, South Konkan might see rain from the cyclone.

As of October 19, meteorologists remain uncertain about the path of Cyclone Tej and its potential impact on Mumbai. According to the IMD, Cyclone Tej may strengthen into a depression in the central Arabian Sea around October 21, and subsequently, it is projected to move in a west-northwest direction.

There's a possibility of it making landfall in Gujarat or Maharashtra on or around October 23-24.

What are the warnings?

The IMD has issued stern warnings to the people of Mumbai after the developments of Cyclone Tej started hinting towards its full formation. 

• The IMD cautions fishermen against heading out to sea along the Maharashtra and south Gujarat coasts. 
• Coastal residents should stay updated on weather information and adhere to local authorities' guidance.