Category Archives: Indian Ocean

Tropical Cyclone Tej Rapidly Intensifies to Equivalent of a Major Hurricane

Tropical Cyclone Tej rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the Arabian Sea east-southeast of Socotra on Saturday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Tej was located at latitude 11.7°N and longitude 56.3°E which put it about 175 miles (280 km) east-southeast of Socotra. Tej was moving toward the northwest at 13 m.p.h. (21 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 140 m.p.h. (220 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 958 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Tej rapidly intensified to the equivalent of a major hurricane over the Arabian Sea on Saturday. A small circular eye with a diameter of 10 miles (16 km) formed at the center of Tej’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation. Storms near the center generated strong upper level divergence that pumped large amounts of mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of large amounts of mass caused the surface pressure to decrease rapidly.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Tej was small. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 15 miles (25 km) from the center of Tej’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Tej was 22.1. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 6.0 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 28.1. Tropical Cyclone Tej was capable of causing localized major damage.

Tropical Cyclone Tej will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Tej will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Tej could continue to intensify rapidly during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Tej will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over South Asia. The high pressure system will steer Tej toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Tej will be east of Socotra in 12 hours. The core of Tej’s circulation that contains the strongest winds will pass east of Socotra. Bands in the western side of Tropical Cyclone Tej will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Socotra. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Tropical Cyclone Tej will approach the coast between Harrah, Yemen and Salalah, in 48 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Forms Over the Arabian Sea

A tropical cyclone formed over the Arabian Sea on Friday evening. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone 05A was located at latitude 10.0°N and longitude 58.8°E which put it about 600 miles (965 km) southeast of Salalah, Oman. The tropical cyclone was moving toward the west-northwest at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone 05A organized quickly over the Arabian Sea on Friday evening. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the center of the tropical cyclone’s circulation. A broken ring of thunderstorms surrounded the center of circulation and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone 05A.

Tropical Cyclone 05A will move through an environment very favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. The tropical cyclone will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29°C. It will move through a region where the upper level winds are weak and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone 05A is likely to intensify to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone 05A will move around the southwestern part of a high pressure system over South Asia. The high pressure system will steer the tropical cyclone toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone 05A will move closer to Oman.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy Moves Inland near India/Pakistan Border

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy moved farther inland near the border between India and Pakistan on Friday. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy was located at latitude 23.9°N and longitude 70.0°E which put it about 10 miles (20 km) west of Dholavira, India. Biparjoy was moving toward the northeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 991 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy continued to bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of southeastern Pakistan and western India on Friday as it moved slowly inland. The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy remained well organized even though the center has been over land for 12 hours. A well defined center of circulation was apparent on both satellite and radar images. The circulation around Biparjoy became more symmetrical after it moved over land. Bands of thunderstorms in all parts of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy were revolving around the center of circulation. Storms near the center generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will continue to move farther inland during the next 36 hours. Biparjoy will weaken slowly as it moves farther away from the Arabian Sea. Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will continue to bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of southeastern Pakistan and western India during the next 36 hours. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy Makes Landfall near India/Pakistan Border

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall on the coast of the Arabian Sea near the border between India and Pakistan on Thursday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy was located at latitude 23.6°N and longitude 69.0°E which put it about 145 miles (235 km) southeast of Karachi, Pakistan. Biparjoy was moving toward the northeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 65 m.p.h. (105 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 80 m.p.h. (130 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 980 mb.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall on the coast of the Arabian Sea near Jakhau Port, India on Thursday. Biparjoy was the equivalent of a strong tropical storm at landfall. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) in the southern half of Biparjoy’s circulation. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 75 miles (120 km) in the northern half of the circulation. Many of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern part of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy. Bands in the northern part of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will move slowly inland over the Rann of Kutch, which is a salt marsh during the next few hours. Biparjoy will weaken very slowly while it is over the Rann of Kutch. Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will weaken more rapidly on Friday when it moves into a drier environment. Since the strongest winds and the heaviest rain are in the southern parts of Biparjoy’s circulation, it means that the strongest winds and heaviest rain will occur after the center of circulation passes any given location. Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to parts of eastern Pakistan and western India. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy Nears Indus River Delta

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy was nearing the Indus River Delta on Wednesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy was located at latitude 22.8°N and longitude 67.0°E which put it about 150 miles (245 km) south of Karachi, Pakistan. Biparjoy was moving toward the north-northeast at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 70 m.p.h. (110 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 985 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy weakened on Wednesday while it moved over the northern Arabian Sea. More drier air was pulled from South Asia into the northern side of Biparjoy’s circulation. In addition, Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy moved under the southern side of an upper level ridge over South Asia. The upper level ridge produced easterly winds that blew toward top of Biparjoy’s circulation. Those winds caused the vertical wind shear to increase. The effects of the drier air and the increased vertical wind shear caused the distribution of thunderstorms to become more asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were still occurring in bands in the southern part of Biparjoy’s circulation. Bands in the other parts of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center of Biparjoy.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will move through an environment that will be unfavorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Biparjoy will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. However, the upper level ridge over the South Asia will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. More drier air will be pulled from South Asia into the northern side of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy. The drier air will continue to inhibit formation of thunderstorms in the that part of Biparjoy. More vertical wind shear and more drier air will prevent intensification of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will move around the northwestern side of a high pressure system over the Indian Ocean during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer Biparjoy toward the northeast. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will reach the coast near the border between India and Pakistan in 12 hours. Biparjoy is likely to be the equivalent of a strong tropical storm when it reaches the Indus River Delta. The India Meteorological Department issued a Cyclone Warning for the Saurashtra and Kutch Coasts. Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to eastern Pakistan and western India. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Biparjoy could also cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters along the coast).

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy Continues Toward Indus River Delta

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy continued to move slowly toward the Indus River Valley on Tuesday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy was located at latitude 21.8°N and longitude 66.3°E which put it about 225 miles (365 km) south of Karachi, Pakistan. Biparjoy was moving toward the north at 4 m.p.h. (6 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 951 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy remained in equilibrium with the surrounding environment on Tuesday and the intensity did not change much. A microwave satellite image showed a circular eye with a diameter of 40 miles (65 km) at the center of Biparjoy’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in the southern and western parts of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy. Bands in the northern and eastern parts of Biparjoy consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of Biparjoy’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical cyclone.

The size of the circulation around Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy increased on Tuesday. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Biparjoy. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 215 miles (345 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 14.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 32.0. Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy was similar in size and intensity to Hurricane Sally when Sally hit South Alabama in 2020.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will move through an environment that will become less favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Biparjoy will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the northern part of an upper level ridge over the northern Arabian Sea. The upper level ridge will produce southwesterly winds that will start to blow toward the top of Biparjoy’s circulation. Those winds will cause the vertical wind shear will increase. In addition, more drier air will be pulled from South Asia into the northern side of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy. The drier air will continue to inhibit formation of thunderstorms in the that part of Biparjoy. More drier air and more vertical wind shear are likely to cause Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy to start to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will move around the northwestern side of a high pressure system over the Indian Ocean during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer Biparjoy slowly toward the north during the next 12 hours. The upper level ridge over the northern Arabian Sea will start to steer Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy toward the northeast on Wednesday. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will approach the coast near the border between India and Pakistan in 36 hours. Biparjoy is likely to be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it reaches the Indus River Delta. The India Meteorological Department issued a Cyclone Warning for the Saurashtra and Kutch Coasts. Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to eastern Pakistan and western India. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Biparjoy could also cause a storm surge of up to 8 feet (2.4 meters along the coast).

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy Churns Toward Indus River Delta

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy continued to churn toward the Indus River Delta on Monday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy was located at latitude 20.8°N and longitude 67.1°E which put it about 285 miles (455 km) south of Karachi, Pakistan. Biparjoy was moving toward the north at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 954 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy appeared to be in equilibrium with the surrounding environment on Monday and the intensity did not change much. A microwave satellite image showed a small circular eye at the center of Biparjoy’s circulation. The eye was surrounded by a narrow ring of thunderstorms and the strongest winds were occurring in that ring of storms. Thunderstorms were also occurring in bands in the southern half of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy. Bands in the northern half of Biparjoy consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of Biparjoy’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical cyclone.

The distribution of wind around Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy became more symmetrical on Monday. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) in all directions from the center of Biparjoy. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 195 miles (315 km) from the center of circulation. The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy was 17.8. The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) was 16.9 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 34.7.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will move through an environment that will be somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Biparjoy will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Arabian Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. However, drier air will be pulled from South Asia into the northern side of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy. The drier air will continue to inhibit formation of thunderstorms in the that part of Biparjoy. Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy could remain in equilibrium with its environment during the next 24 hours if the effects of warm Sea Surface Temperatures and little vertical wind shear balance the effect of the drier air in the northern part of the circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will move around the northwestern side of a high pressure system over the Indian Ocean during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer Biparjoy slowly toward the north. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy could approach the coast near the border between India and Pakistan in 48 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy Maintains Northward Track

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy maintained its track to the north over the Arabian Sea on Sunday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy was located at latitude 19.6°N and longitude 67.6°E which put it about 375 miles (605 km) south of Karachi, Pakistan. Biparjoy was moving toward the north at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 120 m.p.h. (195 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 967 mb.

The intensity of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy appeared to be cycling up and down every 24 hours. In addition, there was a big difference in the appearance of Biparjoy between conventional infrared and microwave satellite images. A recent microwave image showed a small elliptical eye at the center of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy. An eye was not present on a conventional infrared satellite image. The difference in appearance was making it challenging to estimate the intensity of Biparjoy based on data remotely sensed by satellites.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy was still well organized. A thin ring of thunderstorms surrounded the eye on the microwave satellite image. Bands of strong thunderstorms persisted in the southern half of Biparjoy’s circulation. Bands in the northern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of Biparyjoy generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical cyclone. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 40 miles (65 km) in the eastern half of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 185 miles (295 km) from the center of Biparjoy’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will move through an environment that will become less favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Biparjoy will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 31˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Arabian Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. However, more drier air will be pulled from South Asia into the northern side of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy. The drier air will continue to inhibit formation of thunderstorms in the that part of Biparjoy. In addition, Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy has been moving slowly and the wind could mix cooler water to the surface of the Arabian Sea. Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will weaken during the next 24 hours if the drier air in the northern part of the circulation and the mixing of cooler water to the surface inhibit the formation of thunderstorms near the core of the circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will move around the western side of a high pressure system over India during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer Biparjoy slowly toward the north. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy could approach the coast near the border between India and Pakistan in three days.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy Continues to Move Slowly North

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy continued to move slowly toward the north over the Arabian Sea on Saturday night. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy was located at latitude 18.1°N and longitude 67.5°E which put it about 475 miles (765 km) south of Karachi, Pakistan. Biparjoy was moving toward the north at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 962 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy appeared to be pulling drier air from India into the northern part of the circulation. Bands in the northern half of Biparjoy consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy. Storms near the center of Biparyjoy generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical cyclone. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center of Biparjoy’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Biparjoy will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 31˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Arabian Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. However, drier air in the northern side of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will continue to inhibit formation of thunderstorms in the that part of the circulation. In addition, Biparjoy has been moving slowly and the wind could mix cooler water to the surface of the Arabian Sea. Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy could weaken during the next 24 hours if the drier air in the northern part of the circulation and the mixing of cooler water to the surface inhibit the formation of thunderstorms near the core of the circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will move around the northwestern side of a high pressure system over India during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer Biparjoy slowly toward the north. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy could approach the coast near the border between India and Pakistan in four days.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy Moves Slowly North over Arabian Sea

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy moved slowly toward the north over the Arabian Sea on Friday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy was located at latitude 15.3°N and longitude 66.9°E which put it about 640 miles (1035 km) south of Karachi, Pakistan. Biparjoy was moving toward the north-northeast at 5 m.p.h. (8 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 75 m.p.h. (120 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 987 mb.

The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy was asymmetrical on Friday morning. Many of the thunderstorms were occurring near the center of Biparjoy and in bands in the southern half of the tropical cyclone. bands in the northern half of Biparjoy’s circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. There appeared to be some drier air in the northern side of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy. The drier air was inhibiting the formation of thunderstorms in that part of Biparjoy. Storms near the center of Biparjoy’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical cyclone. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will move through an environment mostly favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Biparjoy will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 31˚C. It will move under the axis of an upper level ridge over the Arabian Sea. The upper level winds are weak near the axis of the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. However, drier air in the northern side of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will continue to inhibit formation of thunderstorms in the that part of the circulation. In addition, Biparjoy has been moving slowly and the wind could mix cooler water to the surface of the Arabian Sea. Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy could strengthen during the next 24 hours unless the mixing of cooler water to the surface lowers the Sea Surface Temperature under the core of the circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will move around the northwestern side of a high pressure system over India during the next 24 hours. The high pressure system will steer Biparjoy slowly toward the north. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy will remain over the Arabian Sea during the next few days.