• Source:JND
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Cyclone Shakthi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed several districts of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu on alert as Cyclone Shakti continues to churn in the Arabian Sea. The storm, which has intensified into a Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS), is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough sea conditions until October 7.

According to IMD, Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg are under watch, along with parts of Chennai and adjoining areas. While the cyclone is forecast to intensify further, the weather office said Gujarat is likely to face “minimal impact” as the system is expected to remain offshore and gradually weaken after October 6.

ALSO READ: Cyclone Shakti Live Updates: Mumbai, Thane, Raigad On Alert Till Oct 7; Heavy Rain Likely In Gujarat’s Dwarka, Porbandar

Cyclone Shakti: Classification And Intensity

Cyclone Shakti was officially classified as a Severe Cyclonic Storm by IMD with wind speeds estimated at 130–145 kmph. The storm developed over the east-central Arabian Sea and has become the first post-monsoon cyclone of 2025 in this basin.

Why Is It Named ‘Shakti’?

Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are named under the guidelines of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones. The name “Shakti” was suggested by Sri Lanka and symbolises strength and resilience. Names from the panel’s list, contributed by 13 member countries, are chosen to improve communication during forecasts and disaster warnings.

How Did the Cyclone Shakthi Form?

Cyclone Shakti developed through the typical process of tropical cyclone formation. Warm ocean waters above 27 degrees Celsius provided energy, leading to the rise of moist air and creating a low-pressure zone at the surface. The Coriolis effect gave the system its rotation. Outflow in the upper atmosphere helped maintain the storm’s structure. In October 2025, weak vertical wind shear over the Arabian Sea allowed the cyclone to strengthen into a severe storm.

ALSO READ: Cyclone Shakhti In Gujarat: Heavy Rainfall Likely In Dwarka, Porbandar, Other Parts Till Oct 5; Advisory Issued For Fishermen | IMD Forecast

Geographical Location And Path

As of October 3, the storm was centred over the east-central Arabian Sea, around 270 km southwest of Naliya (Gujarat), 300 km east of Porbandar, and 360 km south of Karachi. It has been tracking northwest under the influence of subtropical winds and is projected to curve east-northeastwards from Monday before weakening.

Why Arabian Sea Cyclones Are Rising

The Arabian Sea, once less active than the Bay of Bengal, has seen more frequent and intense cyclones in the past two decades. A report by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the Ministry of Earth Sciences noted a 52 per cent rise in Severe Cyclonic Storms between 2001 and 2019. Rising sea surface temperatures, reduced wind shear and higher moisture transport have created favourable conditions.