Tropical Cyclone Midhili developed over the northern Bay of Bengal near Bangladesh on Thursday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Midhili was located at latitude 20.7°N and longitude 89.2°E which put it about 160 miles (260 km) south-southeast of Kolkata, India. Midhili was moving toward the northeast at 15 m.p.h. (24 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.
A low pressure system over the northern Bay of Bengal near Bangladesh strengthened on Thursday evening and the India Meteorological Department designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Midhili. The distribution of thunderstorms in Tropical Cyclone Midhili was asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the northeastern part of Midhili’s circulation. Bands in the other parts of Midhili consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.
An upper level trough over India was producing southwesterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Tropical Cyclone Midhili. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear. The vertical wind shear was causing the asymmetrical distribution of thunderstorms.
Winds to tropical storm force extended out 80 miles (130 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Midhili.
Tropical Cyclone Midhili will move through an environment marginally favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours. Midhili will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28°C. However, the upper level trough over India will continue to cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear will inhibit intensification. Tropical Cyclone Midhili could intensify a little before it makes landfall in Bangladesh.
The upper level trough over India will steer Tropical Cyclone Midhili toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track the center of Midhili will make landfall on the coast of Bangladesh near Khepupara in 12 hours Tropical Cyclone Midhili will bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to southern Bangladesh. Heavy rain could cause floods in some locations.