Cyclone Asna Expected to Form Over Arabian Sea on August 30th, Named by Pakistan
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that a deep depression currently situated over the Saurashtra and Kachchh regions is expected to intensify into Cyclone Asna by August 30th. The depression, which has been moving slowly southwestward, is predicted to move into the northeast Arabian Sea, potentially developing into a cyclonic storm named Asna—a name contributed by Pakistan.
Current Position and Movement
As of 5:30 PM IST on August 29th, 2024, the depression was centered near latitude 23.6°N and longitude 69.2°E, approximately 70 km west-northwest of Bhuj, 50 km northeast of Naliya, and 250 km east-southeast of Karachi. The system is moving west-southwestward and is expected to emerge off the Kachchh and adjoining Saurashtra and Pakistan coasts, intensifying into a cyclonic storm by the morning of August 30th.
Forecast and Warnings
The cyclone is projected to continue moving west-southwestward, away from the Indian coast over the next two days. The forecast suggests that the system will maintain its strength as a cyclonic storm until September 1st, before gradually weakening.
Rainfall: Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected over Saurashtra and Kachchh on August 29th and 30th, with coastal districts likely to experience heavy rains on August 31st.
Wind: Squally winds of 45-55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, are forecasted for South Gujarat and Saurashtra & Kachchh regions on August 29th and 30th. The wind speeds are expected to increase to 65-75 kmph, gusting up to 85 kmph, over the northeast Arabian Sea and along the Gujarat and Pakistan coasts on August 30th.
Sea Conditions: Rough to very rough sea conditions are expected along the Gujarat, Pakistan, and North Maharashtra coasts till August 31st. The northeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea are likely to experience very rough to high sea conditions from August 30th to September 1st.
Advisory
Fishermen are advised not to venture into the northeast Arabian Sea, the Gujarat and Pakistan coasts, and the north Maharashtra coasts till August 31st. Offshore and onshore exploration and production operators, as well as port authorities, are urged to take necessary precautions and closely monitor the evolving weather conditions.
Low-Pressure System in Bay of Bengal
In addition to the deep depression over Saurashtra & Kachchh, a low-pressure area over the central and adjoining North Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a depression by August 31st as it moves towards the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts. This system is likely to bring heavy rainfall to Odisha and coastal Andhra Pradesh from August 29th to September 1st.
Impact and Precautions
The heavy rainfall associated with these systems is expected to cause localized flooding, waterlogging in urban areas, and potential disruption of traffic. Residents in the affected regions are advised to avoid travel to vulnerable areas and follow local advisories for safety.
