Kolkata, Nov. 1 -- Barely days after Cyclone Arnab triggered adverse weather conditions, another cyclonic threat has emerged over the Bay of Bengal, with Cyclone Murasu intensifying and heading towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. While the system is not expected to make landfall in Bengal, it is likely to bring scattered rain to several districts over the next two days.
According to the IMD, Murasu intensified from a deep depression into a cyclonic storm over the southwest and adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal on Sunday. It is expected to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm on Monday before crossing the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur between Monday midnight and the early hours of Tuesday. Wind speeds during landfall could reach 100-110 kmph, with gusts up to 120 kmph.
In Bengal, light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms is likely at isolated places across South Bengal districts on Monday. North Bengal may also witness light rain in isolated areas.
On Tuesday, showers are likely in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, both Midnapore districts, Jhargram, Bankura, Purulia and the two 24-Parganas'. Parts of North Bengal, including Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar, may also receive light rain.
The IMD has not issued any warning for the West Bengal coast, although fishermen have been advised against venturing into the westcentral and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal until November 4. Distant Warning Signal No. 2 has been hoisted at Kolkata and Haldia ports.
Dry weather is likely to return across Bengal from November 4.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.