Cyclone Yaas likely to hit Bengal, Odisha coasts by May 26

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that cyclone Yaas is likely to form over Bay of Bengal around May 25. It is likely to move northwestwards and reach West Bengal and adjoining Odisha coasts on May 26 evening. Atmospheric and oceanic conditions, like conducive environment for convection, and sea surface temperatures, are also remaining favourable for persistent cloudiness over Andaman Sea and the adjoining areas of east-central and southeast Bay of Bengal around May 22. A low pressure area is very likely to form over north Andaman Sea and the adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal.

Light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy falls at isolated places over Andaman and Nicobar Islands is likely on May 22 and 23. Light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy falls at isolated places very likely to commence from May 25 evening with significant increase in spatial extension and intensity subsequently over Odisha – West Bengal, adjoining Assam and Meghalaya. Sea condition will be rough to very rough over southeast Bay of Bengal and south Andaman Sea from May 21 onwards. Sea conditions will be rough to very rough over Andaman Sea and the adjoining eastcentral Bay of Bengal on May 23, high (wave height of 6-9 metres/ wind speed 34-47 knots) and high to very high (wave height of 9-14 metres/wind speed of 38-63) from May 24 to 26, into north Bay of Bengal and along and off Odisha -West Bengal coasts during May 25 to 27.