Maharashtra rain alert conditions are expected to intensify on October 28 and 29 as Cyclone Arnava moves inland after crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast, with the India Meteorological Department warning of widespread rain in Vidarbha and extremely heavy rainfall in some parts of the region.
According to the IMD forecast reported by Sakal, the cyclone formed over the east-central Bay of Bengal after an extremely severe depression intensified into a cyclonic storm on Monday. The system is expected to move west-northwestwards and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam near Yanam on the morning of October 28.
The storm is forecast to cross the coast in an extremely severe form. Winds around the cyclone’s centre are expected to average 115 to 125 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 140 kmph, the report said. These conditions could create hazardous weather along the landfall zone before the system moves inland towards central India.
After crossing the coast, the cyclone is expected to turn northwards and move towards Chhattisgarh and eastern Madhya Pradesh. Its intensity is forecast to weaken progressively as it travels inland. The system is expected to retain cyclonic-storm strength on the evening of October 28 and move near Vidarbha on October 29 as a deep depression.
The IMD has forecast rain across Vidarbha on October 28 and 29, with rainfall expected at several places in other parts of Maharashtra as well. While light to moderate rain is expected in parts of the state, some locations in Vidarbha could receive extremely heavy rainfall. The forecast makes the region the primary focus of the state’s weather-related risk during the two-day period.
The storm’s inland track means that its effects will extend beyond the coastal landfall area. Heavy rain can affect road movement, local drainage, electricity infrastructure and agricultural activity, although the supplied IMD forecast does not specify particular districts, road closures or service disruptions in Maharashtra. Residents and local authorities in vulnerable areas will need to follow subsequent official weather bulletins as the system approaches the state.
Cyclone Arnava is described in the report as the first cyclone of the year over the north Indian Ocean. The name was suggested by Bangladesh. The next operational milestone is the cyclone’s projected landfall near Yanam on October 28, followed by its movement towards central India and the forecast rain over Vidarbha through October 29.
