Depression over Bay of Bengal intensifies into cyclonic storm

A deep depression over east equatorial Indian Ocean and adjoining Bay of Bengal developed into cyclonic storm ‘Fani’ on Saturday, and is expected to further intensify into a “severe cyclonic storm”, as per India Meteorological Department’s latest update at 3.02 a.m. on Sunday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Friday issued a cyclone warning for coastal Puducherry, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

A gale is predicted over Southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining equatorial Indian Ocean with the wind speed ranging between 65-85 kmph.

According to the Cyclone Warning Division of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Fani is very likely to reach near the coasts of north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh by the evening of April 30.

A red alert has been issued in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, where the cyclone is expected to hit triggering heavy rainfall.

Sea condition will be rough to very rough from April 29. Fishermen are advised not to venture into sea from April 28. Those at sea are advised to return to port immediately.

Meanwhile, a strong heat wave, with temperatures soaring up to 46 degrees Celsius, is likely to continue in central India over the next five days.

The meteorological centre in Bhubaneswar, Odisha issued heat wave warning in nine districts of the state as temperature soared above 40 degrees in at least 14 places. The weather warning was issued for three days from Saturday in Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Kalahandi, Bolangir, Malkangiri, Bargarh, Sonepur, Nuapada and Boudh districts, the met centre said.

Heat wave in parts of Gujarat will continue over the next three days, IMD said today. The maximum temperature in Ahmedabad touched 43.6 degree Celsius, 2.3 degrees above normal, and is very likely to touch 24 degree Celsius in the coming days, PTI quoted the local IMD centre.