Formation of Cyclone Biporjoy: Depression Detected over Southeast Arabian Sea, Expected to Intensify into Cyclonic Storm

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported the formation of a depression over the southeast Arabian Sea, indicating the development of Cyclone Biporjoy. As of 0530 hours IST on June 6th, 2023, the depression was centered near latitude 11.3°N and longitude 66.0°E, approximately 920 km west-southwest of Goa, 1120 km south-southwest of Mumbai, 1160 km south of Porbander, and 1520 km south of Karachi.

According to the latest observations, the depression is expected to move in a northward direction and intensify into a cyclonic storm over the east-central Arabian Sea and adjoining southeast region within the next 24 hours.

The IMD has provided a forecast track and intensity for Cyclone Biporjoy as follows:

• June 6th, 2023, 0530 IST: Position – 11.3/66.0, Maximum sustained surface wind speed – 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph, Category – Depression
• June 6th, 2023, 1730 IST: Position – 11.6/65.9, Maximum sustained surface wind speed – 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph, Category – Deep Depression
• June 7th, 2023, 0530 IST: Position – 12.0/65.8, Maximum sustained surface wind speed – 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph, Category – Cyclonic Storm
• June 7th, 2023, 1730 IST: Position – 12.7/65.7, Maximum sustained surface wind speed – 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph, Category – Cyclonic Storm
• June 8th, 2023, 0530 IST: Position – 13.2/65.6, Maximum sustained surface wind speed – 80-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph, Category – Cyclonic Storm
• June 8th, 2023, 1730 IST: Position – 13.9/65.5, Maximum sustained surface wind speed – 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph, Category – Severe Cyclonic Storm
• June 9th, 2023, 0530 IST: Position – 14.4/65.4, Maximum sustained surface wind speed – 95-105 kmph gusting to 115 kmph, Category – Severe Cyclonic Storm
• June 9th, 2023, 1730 IST: Position – 15.1/65.3, Maximum sustained surface wind speed – 105-110 kmph gusting to 125 kmph, Category – Severe Cyclonic Storm
• June 10th, 2023, 0530 IST: Position – 15.7/65.2, Maximum sustained surface wind speed – 115-125 kmph gusting to 140 kmph, Category – Severe Cyclonic Storm
• June 10th, 2023, 1730 IST: Position – 16.4/65.1, Maximum sustained surface wind speed – 115-125 kmph gusting to 140 kmph, Category – Very Severe Cyclonic Storm
• June 11th, 2023, 0530 IST: Position – 17.3/65.0, Maximum sustained surface wind speed – 125-135 kmph gusting to 150 kmph, Category – Very Severe Cyclonic Storm

The IMD has issued several warnings related to wind speed and sea conditions as follows:

• June 6th: Squally wind speeds of 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph prevail over the southeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea. Gale wind speeds of 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph are expected from the night of June 6th over the east-central Arabian Sea and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea. Squally wind speeds of 35-45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph are likely over adjoining areas of the southwest and west-central Arabian Sea, as well as along and off the Kerala-Karnataka-Goa coasts and the Lakshadweep-Maldives areas.
• June 7th: Gale wind speeds of 65-75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph are expected to prevail over the east-central Arabian Sea and adjoining areas of the southeast Arabian Sea. These speeds are likely to increase to 80-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph from the night of June 7th in the same area. Squally wind speeds of 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph are likely over adjoining areas of the west-central and south Arabian Sea, as well as along and off the north Kerala-Karnataka-Goa coasts.
• June 8th: Gale wind speeds of 80-90 kmph gusting to 100 kmph are likely to prevail over the east-central Arabian Sea and adjoining areas of the west-central and south Arabian Sea. These speeds are expected to increase to 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph from the night of June 8th in the same area. Squally wind speeds of 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph are likely along and off the Karnataka-Goa-Maharashtra coasts.
• June 9th: Gale wind speeds of 95-105 kmph gusting to 115 kmph are expected to prevail over the east-central and adjoining west-central Arabian Sea. These speeds are likely to increase to 115-125 kmph gusting to 140 kmph from the night of June 9th in the same area. Squally wind speeds of 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph are likely over adjoining areas of the South Arabian Sea, along and off the Karnataka-Goa-Maharashtra coasts.
• June 10th: Gale wind speeds of 115-125 kmph gusting to 140 kmph are likely to prevail over the east-central and adjoining areas of the west-central Arabian Sea. Squally wind speeds of 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph are likely over adjoining areas of the south Arabian Sea, as well as along and off the north Karnataka-Goa-Maharashtra coasts.

Sea conditions are also expected to be rough to very rough, becoming very rough to high over the southeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea from the night of June 6th. Similar conditions are expected over adjoining areas of the southwest Arabian Sea, along and off the Kerala-Karnataka-Goa coasts, and the Lakshadweep-Maldives areas.

Fishermen have been advised to exercise caution and avoid venturing into certain areas, including the southeast and adjoining central and southwest Arabian Sea on June 6th, the east-central and adjoining areas of the west-central and south Arabian Sea from June 7th to 9th, and the east-central and adjoining areas of the west-central Arabian Sea on June 10th. Those already at sea are advised to return to the coast by the afternoon of June 6th.

The formation of Cyclone Biporjoy and the associated weather conditions necessitate preparedness and caution from residents and authorities in the affected regions. Stay updated with the latest forecasts and follow the guidelines issued by the local authorities for safety purposes.