Category Archives: Indian Ocean

Tropical Cyclone Mandous Strengthens over Southwest Bay of Bengal

Tropical Cyclone Mandous strengthened over the southwestern Bay of Bengal on Thursday. At 4:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Mandous was located at latitude 10.7°N and longitude 81.9°E which put it about 215 miles (345 km) southeast of Chennai, India. Mandous was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 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 988 mb.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Mandous strengthened on Thursday. Even though Mandous was stronger, the distribution of thunderstorms continued to be asymmetrical. Many of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of Mandous’ circulation. Bands in the eastern half of Mandous consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms west of the center of Mandous generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 150 miles (240 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Mandous.

Tropical Cyclone Mandous will move through an environment that will become unfavorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Mandous will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge over Southeast Asia and the Bay of Bengal. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Mandous’ circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear is already contributing to the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms and the shear will inhibit intensification. The western side Tropical Cyclone Mandous will interact with a mass of drier air over India, when Mandous gets closer to the coast of India. A combination of moderate vertical wind shear and drier air is likely to cause Mandous to begin to weaken during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Mandous will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over southern Asia. The high pressure system will steer Mandous toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Mandous will be near the coast of southern India near Chennai in 24 hours. Mandous will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Puducherry, northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh. Tropical Cyclone Mandous will also drop heavy rain over northern Sri Lanka. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Mandous Forms over Southwest Bay of Bengal

Tropical Cyclone Mandous formed over the southwestern Bay of Bengal east of Sri Lanka on Wednesday afternoon. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Mandous was located at latitude 9.6°N and longitude 83.8°E which put it about 360 miles (580 km) southeast of Chennai, India. Mandous was moving toward the west-northwest at 6 m.p.h. (10 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 997 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system over the southwestern Bay of Bengal strengthened on Wednesday afternoon and the India Meteorological Department designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Mandous. The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Cyclone Mandous was asymmetrical. Many of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of Mandous’ circulation. Bands in the eastern half of Mandous consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms west of the center of Mandous generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west of the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Mandous.

Tropical Cyclone Mandous will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Mandous will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge over Southeast Asia and the Bay of Bengal. The ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Mandous’ circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear is contributing to the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms and the shear will inhibit intensification. The vertical wind shear may not be strong enough to prevent intensification during the next 24 hours and Tropical Cyclone Mandous could strengthen during that time period.

Tropical Cyclone Mandous will move around the southern side of a high pressure system over southern Asia. The high pressure system will steer Mandous toward the northwest during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track, Tropical Cyclone Mandous could be near the coast of southern India near Chennai in 48 hours. Mandous could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Puducherry, northern Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Sitrang Brings Wind and Rain to Bangladesh

Tropical Cyclone Sitrang brought wind and rain to Bangladesh on Monday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Sitrang was located at latitude 24.6°N and longitude 91.2°E which put it about 45 miles (75 km) northeast of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Sitrang was moving toward the north at 35 m.p.h. (55 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Sitrang moved quickly across the northern Bay of Bengal and over Bangladesh on Monday. The heaviest rain was falling in bands in the northern side of Sitrang’s circulation. Bands in the southern half of Tropical Cyclone Sitrang consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles (95 km) from the center of Sitrang.

A high pressure system over Southeast Asia will steer Tropical Cyclone Sitrang quickly toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Sitrang will move across Bangladesh and over northeastern India. Tropical Cyclone Sitrang will drop locally heavy rain over Bangladesh and northeastern India. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Sitrang will weaken steadily as it moves farther inland.

Tropical Cyclone Sitrang Develops over Northern Bay of Bengal

Tropical Cyclone Sitrang developed over the northern Bay of Bengal on Sunday. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Sitrang was located at latitude 18.3°N and longitude 89.4°E which put it about 360 miles (580 km) south-southwest of Chittagong, Bangladesh. Sitrang was moving toward the north-northeast at 13 m.p.h. (20 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1000 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system over the northern Bay of Bengal strengthened on Sunday and the India Meteorological Department designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Sitrang. The distribution of thunderstorms around Sitrang was asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northern side of Tropical Cyclone Sitrang. Bands near the center of Sitrang’s circulation and in the southern half of the tropical cyclone consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Tropical Cyclone Sitrang was moving under the western end of an upper level ridge over Southeast Asia and the Bay of Bengal. The ridge was producing southerly winds that were blowing toward the top of Sitrang’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and they were also causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 60 miles in the eastern side of Tropical Cyclone Sitrang. The winds in the western half of Sitrang were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Cyclone Sitrang will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 18 hours. Sitrang will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. However, the upper level ridge over Southeast Asia and the Bay of Bengal will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Cyclone Sitrang could strengthen during the next 18 hours before it makes landfall in Bangladesh.

Tropical Cyclone Sitrang will move around the western end of a high pressure system over Southeast Asia. The high pressure system will steer Sitrang toward the north-northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Sitrang will reach Bangladesh in less than 24 hours. Sitrang will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to Bangladesh. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations. Tropical Cyclone Sitrang could cause a storm surge of five feet (1.5 meters) along the coast of Bangladesh.

Tropical Cyclone 04B Makes Landfall South-southwest of Kolkata

Tropical Cyclone 04B made landfall on the coast of India south-southwest of Kolkata on Friday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone 04B was located at latitude 21.9°N and longitude 87.7°E which put it about 65 miles (105 km) south-southwest of Kolkata India. The tropical cyclone was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 45 m.p.h. (75 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 60 m.p.h. (95 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 990 mb.

Tropical Cyclone 04B strengthened during the hours prior to landfall. The maximum sustained wind speed was 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h) when Tropical Cyclone 04B made landfall on the coast of India south-southwest of Kolkata. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 85 miles (135 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone 04B. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around a broad center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone 04B will move south of a high pressure system over southern Asia. The high pressure system will steer the tropical cyclone toward the west-northwest during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone 04B will move farther inland over central India during the weekend. The tropical cyclone will gradually weaken when it moves farther inland. Tropical Cyclone 04B will drop heavy rain over parts of central India. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone 04B Forms over Northern Bay of Bengal

Tropical Cyclone 04B formed over the northern Bay of Bengal on Thursday afternoon. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone 04B was located at latitude 20.7°N and longitude 89.5°E which put it about 175 miles (280 km) southeast of Kolkata India. The tropical cyclone was moving toward the west-northwest at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 992 mb.

Tropical Cyclone 04B developed over the northern Bay of Bengal southeast of Koklata, India on Thursday afternoon. The distribution of thunderstorms around the tropical cyclone was asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern and western parts of the circulation. Bands in the northern and eastern parts of Tropical Cyclone 04B consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. An upper level ridge over southern Asia was producing easterly winds that were blowing toward the top of the tropical cyclone’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and the wind shear was contribution to the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 40 miles (65 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone 04B.

Tropical Cyclone 04B will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. The tropical cyclone will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 29˚C. However, the upper level ridge over southern Asia will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Cyclone 04B could intensify during the next 12 hours, if the upper level winds do not get any stronger.

Tropical Cyclone 04B will move south of a high pressure system over southern Asia. The high pressure system will steer the tropical cyclone toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone 04B could be south of Kolkata in 12 hours. It could make landfall on the coast of India southwest of Kolkata in 18 hours. Tropical Cyclone 04B will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the region of India south and west of Kolkata. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone 03A Forms South of Pakistan

Tropical Cyclone 03A formed over the Arabian Sea south of Pakistan on Thursday night. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone 03A was located at latitude 21.8°N and longitude 56.6°E which put it about 225 miles (370 km) south-southwest of Karachi, Pakistan. The tropical cyclone was moving toward the west at 8 m.p.h. (13 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1003 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system over the Arabian Sea south of Pakistan strengthened on Thursday night and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center designated the system as Tropical Cyclone 03A. The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Cyclone 03A was asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of the tropical cyclone. Bands in the eastern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. An upper level ridge over Southwest Asia was producing easterly winds that were blowing toward the top of the tropical cyclone’s circulation. Those winds were causing vertical wind shear and the shear was contributing to the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 115 miles (185 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone 03A will move through an environment that is somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. The tropical cyclone will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. The upper level ridge over Southwest Asia will continue to cause vertical wind shear. There is also drier air over Southwestern Asia. Tropical Cyclone 03A could strengthen during the next 24 hours if the wind shear does not increase.

Tropical Cyclone 03A will move south of a high pressure system over Southwest Asia. The high pressure system will steer the tropical cyclone toward the west-northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone 03A will move a little closer to Pakistan.

Rare Late Season Tropical Cyclone Forms over South Indian Ocean

A rare late season tropical cyclone formed over the South Indian Ocean on Thursday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone 01S was located at latitude 10.7°S and longitude 95.0°E which put it about 170 miles (275 km) west-northwest of Cocos Island. Tropical Cyclone 01S was moving toward the southeast at 7 m.p.h. (11 km/h). The maximum sustained wind speed was 40 m.p.h. (65 km/h) and and there were wind gusts to 50 m.p.h. (80 km/h). The minimum surface pressure was 1002 mb.

The circulation around a low pressure system over the South Indian Ocean west-northwest of Cocos Island strengthened on Thursday and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology both designated the system as a tropical cyclone. It is unusual for a tropical cyclone to form this late in the season in the southern hemisphere. It is the equivalent of a tropical cyclone forming in late January in the northern hemisphere.

The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Cyclone 01S was asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of the tropical cyclone. Bands in the northern half of Tropical Cyclone 01S consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Tropical Cyclone 01S was under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge centered northwest of Australia. The upper level ridge was producing northerly winds that were blowing toward the top of the tropical cyclone’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 170 miles (275 km) in the southeastern quadrant of Tropical Cyclone 01S. Winds in the other parts of the tropical cyclone were blowing at less than tropical storm force.

Tropical Cyclone 01S will move through an environment somewhat favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. The tropical cyclone will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. However, the upper level ridge northwest of Australia will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone 01S could strengthen a little more during the next 24 hours, but the moderate vertical wind shear will limit intensification.

Tropical Cyclone 01S will move north of a high pressure system over the South Indian Ocean during the next several days. The high pressure system will steer the tropical cyclone toward the west. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone 01S will begin to move farther away from Cocos Island.

Tropical Cyclone Asani Makes Landfall in Andhra Pradesh

Tropical Cyclone Asani made landfall on the east coast of India in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Asani was located at latitude 15.8°N and longitude 80.6°E which put it 25 miles (40 km) south of Tenali, India. Asani was moving toward the west-northwest at 7 m.p.h (11 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 986 mb.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Asani made landfall on the coast of Andhra Pradesh south of Tenali on Tuesday night. Asani was the equivalent of s strong tropical storm at the time of landfall. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 110 miles (175 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Asani. Thunderstorms in bands in the western and northern parts of Asani were dropping heavy rain in scattered areas near the coast of Andhra Pradesh.

Tropical Cyclone Asani will weaken steadily as it moves inland over Andhra Pradesh. The rainfall will become lighter when drier air over India is pulled into Asani’s circulation. The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Asani will become shallower when it weakens. Southwesterly winds in the lower levels over India and the Bay of Bengal could steer the weakened circulation of Asani toward the northeast later this week.

Tropical Cyclone Asani Nears East Coast of India

Tropical Cyclone Asani neared the east coast of India on Tuesday morning. At 5:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Asani was located at latitude 15.1°N and longitude 82.1°E which put it 90 miles (145 km) southeast of Machilipatnam, India and about about 210 miles (330 km) south-southeast of Visakhapatnam. Asani was moving toward the west at 13 m.p.h (20 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 977 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Asani maintained its intensity as it moved closer to the east coast of India on Tuesday morning. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force were occurring in an area 30 miles (50 km) north of the center of Asani’s circulation. Even though the intensity of Tropical Cyclone Asani was steady, the distribution of thunderstorms was asymmetrical. The strongest thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern and western parts of Asani’s circulation. Bands in the northern and eastern parts of Asani consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms southwest of the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone. The removal of mass allowed Tropical Cyclone Asani to maintain its intensity. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 155 miles (250 km) from the center of Asani.

Tropical Cyclone Asani will move through an environment that will become more unfavorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Asani will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30˚C. It will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over South Asia. The upper level ridge will produce easterly winds that will blow toward the top of Tropical Cyclone Asani’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. Asani will move toward a mass of drier air that is sinking over India. The moderate vertical wind shear and the sinking drier air are likely to cause Tropical Cyclone Asani to start to weaken as it approaches the east coast of India during the next 12 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Asani will move around the western side of a high pressure system over Southeast Asia. The high pressure system will steer Asani toward the northwest during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Asani will reach the east coast of India near Machilipatnam within 18 hours. Asani will bring strong gusty winds and locally heavy rain to parts of Andhra Pradesh during the next 36 hours. Heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.