Cyclone Tej Forms in the Arabian Sea

Cyclone Tej is currently brewing in the Arabian Sea and has been showing signs of intensification. Here’s an update on its formation and forecast:

A low-pressure area over the Southwest Arabian Sea was observed in the morning of October 18, 2023. By midnight on October 19, 2023, it had evolved into a well-marked low-pressure area. As of the morning of October 20, 2023, it has further concentrated into a depression, with its center located near latitude 9.3°N and longitude 61.5°E, about 900 km east-southeast of Socotra (Yemen), 1170 km southeast of Salalah Airport (Oman), and 1260 km east-southeast of Al Ghaidah (Yemen).

The forecast indicates that Cyclone Tej is likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a cyclonic storm over the Southwest Arabian Sea within the next 24 hours. By the evening of October 22, it is expected to further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm. Afterward, it will move north-northwestwards toward the coasts of southern Oman and adjoining Yemen.

The maximum sustained surface wind speeds and categories of cyclonic disturbances are as follows:

• October 20, 2023, 1130 IST: Depression with wind speeds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph.
• October 20, 2023, 1730 IST: Deep Depression with wind speeds of 50-60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph.
• October 20, 2023, 2330 IST: Deep Depression with wind speeds of 55-65 kmph, gusting to 75 kmph.
• October 21, 2023, 0530 IST: Cyclonic Storm with wind speeds of 60-70 kmph, gusting to 80 kmph.
• October 21, 2023, 1130 IST: Cyclonic Storm with wind speeds of 70-80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph.
• October 21, 2023, 2330 IST: Cyclonic Storm with wind speeds of 75-85 kmph, gusting to 95 kmph.
• October 22, 2023, 1130 IST: Cyclonic Storm with wind speeds of 80-90 kmph, gusting to 100 kmph.
• October 22, 2023, 2330 IST: Severe Cyclonic Storm with wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph.
• October 23, 2023, 1130 IST: Severe Cyclonic Storm with wind speeds of 95-105 kmph, gusting to 115 kmph.
• October 23, 2023, 2330 IST: Severe Cyclonic Storm with wind speeds of 105-115 kmph, gusting to 125 kmph.
• October 24, 2023, 1130 IST: Severe Cyclonic Storm with wind speeds of 95-105 kmph, gusting to 115 kmph.
• October 24, 2023, 2330 IST: Severe Cyclonic Storm with wind speeds of 85-95 kmph, gusting to 105 kmph.
• October 25, 2023, 1130 IST: Cyclonic Storm with wind speeds of 70-80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph.

The Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences has issued warnings for fishermen, indicating that it is unsafe to venture into the affected areas. They have been advised to return to the coast.

Please note that the situation is under continuous surveillance, and updates will be provided as necessary. For regular updates, you can visit the official website of the India Meteorological Department at www.rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in and www.mausam.imd.gov.in.