Cyclonic Storm Threatens Odisha and Andhra Pradesh; Rains Expected in Telangana and Kerala
Why in news?
A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm, prompting the postponement of President Murmu's visit to Odisha. The system is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala, offering a ray of hope for drought-affected Telangana.
Key points
- Low pressure over Bay of Bengal likely to become a cyclonic storm.
- President's visit to Odisha postponed due to cyclone forecast.
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall expected in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala.
- Telangana hopes for relief from drought conditions due to El Niño.
- IMD issues red alert for specific districts in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.
- System expected to cross Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Visakhapatnam.
Background & context
Cyclonic storms are common in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, particularly during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. El Niño, a climate pattern, often influences rainfall patterns in India, sometimes leading to droughts or deficient monsoons. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the primary agency for forecasting weather events in India.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is used to categorize the intensity of hurricanes; similar scales or classifications exist for cyclones in the Indian Ocean.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Geography - Natural phenomena. GS Paper III: Disaster management, climate change. GS Paper II: Governance - Disaster preparedness and response.