Tag Archives: West Bengal

Tropical Cyclone Remal Brings Wind and Rain to West Bengal and Bangladesh

Tropical Cyclone Remal brought wind and rain to West Bengal and Bangladesh on Sunday. At 5:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of Tropical Cyclone Remal was located at latitude 22.0°N and longitude 88.5°E which put it about 65 miles (105 km) south of Kolkata, India. Remal was moving toward the north 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 978 mb.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Remal made landfall on the coast of West Bengal south of Kolkata on Sunday. The circulation around Remal was large at the time of landfall. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 165 miles (265 km) from the center of Remal’s circulation. A weather station at Mongla, Bangladesh reported a sustained wind speed of 47 m.p.h. (76 km/h).

Tropical Cyclone Remal was moving along with the leading edge of a surge of humid air moving north in the monsoonal flow over the Bay of Bengal. The monsoonal flow will steer Remal toward the northeast during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Remal will move inland across Bangladesh.

Tropical Cyclone Remal will weaken gradually as it moves farther inland. Remal will continue to bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Bangladesh and adjacent parts West Bengal. Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations. Remal could also cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) along the coast of Bangladesh. Weather conditions should start to improve gradually on Monday when Tropical Cyclone Remal moves farther inland and weakens.

Tropical Cyclone Remal Forms over Bay of Bengal

Tropical Cyclone Remal formed over the Bay of Bengal on Saturday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Remal was located at latitude 19.1°N and longitude 89.4°E which put it about 110 miles (175 km) south-southeast of Kolkata, India. Remal was moving toward the north at 7 m.p.h. (11 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 993 mb.

A low pressure system over the Bay of Bengal strengthened on Saturday and the India Meteorological Department designated the system as Tropical Cyclone Remal. The distribution of thunderstorms around Tropical Cyclone Remal was asymmetrical. Thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the southern half of Remal’s circulation. Bands in the northern part of Tropical Cyclone Remal consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Storms near the center of Remal’s circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away from the tropical cyclone.

The circulation around Tropical Cyclone Remal was large. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center of Remal’s circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Remal will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Remal 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 South Asia and the Bay of Bengal. The winds are weak near the axis off the ridge and there will be little vertical wind shear. Tropical Cyclone Remal will intensify during the next 24 hours. The large circulation around Remal could cause intensification to occur slowly.

Tropical Cyclone Remal formed along the leading edge of a surge of humid air moving north in the monsoonal flow over the Bay of Bengal. The monsoonal flow will continue to steer Remal north during the next 24 hours. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Remal will approach the northern coast of the Bay of Bengal in 24 hours. The center of Remal is likely to make landfall between Kolkata, India and Chittagong, Bangladesh.

Tropical Cyclone Remal will bring strong winds and locally heavy rain to Bangladesh and adjacent parts West Bengal. Heavy rain is likely to cause floods in some locations. Remal could also cause a storm surge of up to 7 feet (2 meters) along the coast of Bangladesh.

Tropical Cyclone Jawad Spins over Bay of Bengal

Tropical Cyclone Jawad was spinning over the Bay of Bengal east of India on Friday night. At 10:00 p.m. EST on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Jawad was located at latitude 16.0°N and longitude 85.0°E which put it about 150 miles (240 km) southeast of Visakhapatnam, India. Jawad was moving toward the north at 10 m.p.h. (16 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 Jawad continued to spin over the Bay of Bengal east of India on Friday night. An upper level ridge over the Bay of Bengal was producing southeasterly winds that were blowing toward the top of Jawad’s circulation. Those winds were causing moderate vertical wind shear and the shear was keeping Tropical Cyclone Jawad from getting stronger. The strongest thunderstorms in Jawad were occurring in the northern half of the circulation because of the vertical wind shear. Bands in the southern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 100 miles (160 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Jawad.

Tropical Cyclone Jawad will move through an environment only marginally favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Jawad will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 28˚C. It will move under the western end of an upper level ridge over the Bay of Bengal. The ridge will continue to produce southerly winds that will blow toward the top of Jawad’s circulation. Those winds will cause moderate vertical wind shear. The wind shear is likely to remain strong enough to prevent Tropical Cyclone Jawad from strengthening during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Jawad will move around the western end of a high pressure system over southeast Asia. The high pressure system will steer Jawad toward the north-northeast during the next several days. On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Jawad will move parallel to the east coast of India during the next 36 hours. Jawad could approach Kolkata in 72 hours. Tropical Cyclone Jawad could bring gusty winds and locally heavy rain to the coastal parts of northeastern Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Tropical Cyclone Yaas Strengthens to Equivalent of Hurricane/Typhoon

Tropical Cyclone Yaas strengthened to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon over the northern Bay of Bengal on Tuesday. At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Yaas was located at latitude 20.1°N and longitude 89.1°E which put it about 195 miles (310 km) south of Kolkata, India. Yaas was moving toward the north at 11 m.p.h. (17 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 972 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Yaas intensified to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon south of Kolkata on Tuesday. A broken ring of thunderstorms surrounded the center of Yaas and the strongest winds were occurring in the storms in the ring. Bands of showers and thunderstorms were revolving around the center of Tropical Cylone Yaas. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west and north of the tropical cyclone. Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 30 miles (50 km) from the center of Yaas. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Yaas will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 12 hours . Yaas 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 centered over Bangladesh. The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the tropical cyclone. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the shear may not be strong enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Cyclone Yaas could strengthen gradually during the next 12 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Yaas will move around the western side of a high pressure system over Southeast Asia. The high will steer the tropical cyclone toward the north-northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Yaas will make landfall on the coastline of Odisha southwest of Kolkata in 15 hours. Tropical Cyclone Yaas will be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it approaches the coast. Yaas is likely to bring damaging winds and locally heavy rain to the coastal regions of Odisha and West Bengal. Heavy rain could cause flash floods over parts of northeastern India. The coast along the northern Bay of Bengal is very vulnerable to a storm surge. Tropical Cyclone Yaas will cause a dangerous storm surge of up to 9 feet (3 meters) on parts of the coast around the northern Bay of Bengal.

Tropical Cyclone Yaas Intensifies South of Kolkata

Tropical Cyclone Yaas intensified over the northern Bay of Bengal on Monday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Monday the center of Tropical Cyclone Yaas was located at latitude 18.5°N and longitude 88.0°E which put it about 305 miles (495 km) south of Kolkata, India. Yaas was moving toward the north-northwest at 13 m.p.h. (20 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 975 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Yaas strengthened to almost the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon south of Kokata on Monday night. The distribution of thunderstorms around Yaas remained asymmetrical. Most of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the western half of Tropical Cyclone Yaas. Bands in the eastern half of the circulation consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds. The inner end of a rainband wrapped around the western and southern sides of the center of Yaas. Storms near the center of circulation generated upper level divergence that pumped mass away to the west and north of the tropical cyclone. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) from the center of circulation.

Tropical Cyclone Yaas will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 24 hours. Yaas will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 30°C. It will move under the southwestern part of an upper level ridge over the Bay of Bengal. The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the tropical cyclone. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification. Tropical Cyclone Yaas will strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon during the next 24 hours.

Tropical Cyclone Yaas will move around the western side of a high pressure system over Southeast Asia. The high will steer the tropical cyclone toward the north-northwest during the next 36 hours. On its anticipated track Yaas will make landfall on the coastline of Odisha southwest of Kolkata in 24 hours. Tropical Cyclone Yaas will be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it approaches the coast. Yaas is likely to bring damaging winds and locally heavy rain to the coastal regions of Odisha and West Bengal. Tropical Cyclone Yaas will cause a dangerous storm surge of up to 9 feet (3 meters) on parts of the coast around the northern Bay of Bengal.

Tropical Cyclone Forms over Bay of Bengal

A tropical cyclone formed over the Bay of Bengal on Sunday night. At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday the center of a tropical cyclone was located at latitude 16.2°N and longitude 89.8°E which put it about 465 miles (750 km) south-southeast of Kolkata, India. The tropical cyclone was moving toward the northeast 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 993 mb.

A low pressure system over the Bay of Bengal strengthened on Sunday night and the system was designated as Tropical Cyclone 02B by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. The circulation around the tropical cyclone was still organizing. Many of the thunderstorms were occurring in bands in the outer portion of the circulation around the tropical cyclone. The inner end of a rainband began to wrap around the western side of the center of circulation. The circulation around the tropical cyclone was large. Winds to tropical storm force extended out 175 miles (280 km) from the center of circulation.

The tropical cyclone will move through an environment favorable for intensification during the next 48 hours. It will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperatures are near 31°C. The tropical cyclone will move under the southern part of an upper level ridge over the Bay of Bengal. The ridge will produce easterly winds which will blow toward the top of the tropical cyclone. Those winds will cause some vertical wind shear, but the shear will not be enough to prevent intensification. The tropical cyclone will intensify during the next 24 hours. It could intensify more rapidly once an inner core with an eye and an eyewall form. The tropical cyclone could strengthen to the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon within 36 hours.

The tropical cyclone will move around the western side of a high pressure system over Southeast Asia. The high will steer the tropical cyclone toward the north-northwest during the next 48 hours. On its anticipated track the tropical cyclone could approach the coastline of Odisha and West Bengal in 48 hours. It will likely be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it approaches the coast. The tropical cyclone is likely to bring damaging winds, and locally heavy rain. It will also likely cause a dangerous storm surge on parts of the coast around the northern Bay of Bengal.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan Makes Landfall Near Kolkata

The center of Tropical Cyclone Amphan made landfall on the north coast of the Bay of Bengal near Kolkata, India on Wednesday.  At 11:00 a.m. EDT on Wednesday the center of Tropical Cyclone Amphan was located at latitude 22.7°N and longitude 88.4°E which put it about 30 miles (50 km) south-southwest of Kolkata, India.  Amphan was moving toward the north-northeast at 19 m.p.h. (30 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 85 m.p.h. (135 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 105 m.p.h. (165 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 979 mb.

The center of Tropical Cyclone Amphan made landfall near Haldia, India which is a little to the south-southwest of Kolkata on Wednesday.  The maximum sustained wind speed in Amphan at the time of landfall was 100 m.p.h. (160 km/h).  Tropical Cyclone Amphan weakened after the center moved over land.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 20 miles (30 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 160 miles (260 km) to the southeast of the center.  The stronger winds were occurring near the center of circulation and over the northern Bay of Bengal.

When Tropical Cyclone Amphan approached the coast, the heaviest rain occurred in bands in the western side of Amphan.  Heavy rain fell over parts of northern Odisha and West Bengal.  After the center of Amphan made landfall and the tropical cyclone moved inland, the heaviest rain fell in bands in the northeastern part of the circulation.  Heavy rain was falling over parts of Bangladesh.

Strong southerly winds blowing toward the north coast of the Bay of Bengal pushed water toward Bangladesh and the coast of India south of Kolkata.  The coast around the northern Bay of Bengal is very vulnerable to storm surges caused by tropical cyclones.  Tropical Cyclone Amphan likely caused a significant storm surge along that coast.

Tropical Cyclone Amphan will move around the northwestern part of a high pressure system over Southeast Asia.  The high will steer Amphan toward the north-northeast.  On its anticipated track the center of Tropical Cyclone Amphan will move across western Bangladesh and northeastern India.  The circulation around Amphan will continue to weaken as the system moves farther inland.  Tropical Cyclone Amphan will continue to drop locally heavy rain over Bangladesh and northeastern India.  Heavy rain could cause flash floods to occur in some locations.

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul Makes Landfall Southeast of Kolkata

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul made landfall southeast of Kolkata, India on Saturday.  At 4:00 p.m. EST on Saturday the center of Tropical Cyclone Bulbul was located at latitude 21.8°N and longitude 89.2°E which put it about 75 miles (120 km) southeast of Kolkata, India.  Bulbul was movign toward the east-northeast at 9 m.p.h. (15 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 90 m.p.h. (145 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 115 m.p.h. (185 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 967 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul made landfall on the coast of West Bengal southeast of Kolkata, India on Saturday.  The India Meteorological Department’s weather radar in Kolkata indicated that the eye of Bulbul crossed the coast of West Bengal.  Tropical Cyclone Bulbul was the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon at the time of landfall.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 125 miles (200 km) from the center.

The northern section of the eyewall of Tropical Cyclone Bulbul moved across the southeastern part of West Bengal and the southwestern portion of Bangladesh.  Thunderstorms in the eyewall were dropping heavy rain over those areas.  Bands of showers and thunderstorms in the northeastern part of Bulbul were also dropping heavy rain over other parts of Bangladesh.  The heavy rain could cause floods in some locations.  Southerly winds blowing around the eastern side of Tropical Cyclone Bulbul were pushing water toward the coast.  Bulbul could cause a storm surge of 6 to 9 feet (2 to 3 meters) in some coastal locations.

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul will move around the northwestern part of a ridge of high pressure over southeast Asia.  The ridge will steer Bulbul toward the east-northeast during the next several days.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Bulbul will move over coastal areas of Bangladesh between Dhaka and Chittagong.  Bulbul will weaken gradually as the center moves over land.  The wind speeds and storm surges will gradually decrease.  Tropical Cyclone Bulbul will continue to drop heavy rain over southern Bangladesh during the next 24 hours and the threat of fresh water floods will remain.

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul Moving Toward Kolkata

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul moved toward Kolkata, India on Friday.  At 4:00 p.m. EDT on Friday the center of Tropical Cyclone Bulbul was located at latitude 19.7°N and longitude 87.8°E which put it about 225 miles (360 km) south of Kolkata, India.  Bulbul was moving toward the north at 8 m.p.h. (13 k/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 861 mb.

It appeared that Tropical Cyclone Bulbul may have pulled drier air from India around the southern and eastern sides of its circulation.  Rainbands in those parts of the tropical cyclone consisted primarily of showers and lower clouds.  Microwave satellite images provided some evidence of an eye at the center of circulation.  A ring of thunderstorms around the eye exhibited weaker sections on the eastern side of the eye.  The strongest winds were occurring in the ring of storms.  Other strong bands of thunderstorms were present in the western half of the circulation.

Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extended out 35 miles (55 km) from the center of Tropical Cyclone Bulbul.  Winds to tropical storm force extended out 140 miles (220 km) from the center.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Bulbul was 16.5.  The Hurricane Size index (HSI) was 13.2 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) was 29.7.  Bulbul was capable of causing serious damage.

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul may be near its maximum intensity.  Bulbul will move over water where the Sea Surface Temperature is near 29°C.  So, there is sufficient energy in the upper Bay of Bengal to support further intensification.  However, the introduction of drier air into the southern and eastern parts of the circulation will inhibit the development of thunderstorms in those portions of the tropical cyclone.  Bulbul will move under the western end of an upper level ridge over southeast Asia.  The ridge will produce some vertical wind shear which will also inhibit further intensification.  Tropical Cyclone Bulbul could weaken when it nears the coast around the northern Bay of Bengal.

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul will move around the western end of the ridge over southeast Asia.  The ridge will steer Bulbul toward the north for another 18 to 24 hours.  On its anticipated track Tropical Cyclone Bulbul could approach the coast of India south of Kolkata in about 18 hours.  Bulbul will turn more toward the east when it moves around the northwestern part of the ridge in a day or so.

Tropical Cyclone Bulbul could be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it makes landfall in West Bengal south of Kolkata.  Bulbul will bring gusty winds to the coast of West Bengal and Bangladesh.  Tropical Cyclone Bulbul will be capable of generating a storm surge of up to 6 to 9 feet ( 2 to 3 meters) along portions of the coast around the northern Bay of Bengal.  That area is particularly prone to storm surges.  Bulbul will drop locally heavy rain over parts of West Bengal and Bangladesh when it moves inland.  Locally heavy rain could cause flash floods in some locations.

Powerful Tropical Cyclone Fani Makes Landfall in India

Powerful Tropical Cyclone Fani made landfall near Puri, India on Thursday night.  At 11:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday the center of Tropical Cyclone Fani was located at latitude 19.4°N and longitude 85.8°E which put it about 25 miles (40 km) south of Puri, India.  Fani was moving toward the north-northeast at 11 m.p.h. (17 km/h).  The maximum sustained wind speed was 150 m.p.h. (240 km/h) and there were wind gusts to 185 m.p.h. (295 km/h).  The minimum surface pressure was 922 mb.

Tropical Cyclone Fani is a large dangerous system.  Winds to hurricane/typhoon force extend out about 70 miles (110 km) from the center of circulation.  Winds to tropical storm force extend out about 225 miles (360 km) from the center over the Bay of Bengal.  The Hurricane Intensity Index (HII) for Tropical Cyclone Fani is 31.6.  The Hurricane Size Index (HSI) is 25.6 and the Hurricane Wind Intensity Size Index (HWISI) is 57.2.  Tropical Cyclone Fani has the potential to cause widespread significant damage.

Tropical Cyclone Fani will cause the greatest wind damage along the northeast coast of Odisha.  It could also produce a significant storm surge along the coast.  The surge will be highest in bays, estuaries and mouths of rivers.  Fani will drop heavy rain over northeast Odisha, West Bengal and portions of Bangladesh.  The heavy rain is likely to cause inland fresh water floods in some locations.  Wind and rain could cause damage around Kolkata (Calcutta), India.

An upper level trough over India will steer Tropical Cyclone Fani toward the northeast during the next 48 hours.  On its anticipated path Fani will pass near Bhubaneshwar, Cuttack and Baleshwar in Odisha.  Tropical Cyclone Fani could still be the equivalent of a hurricane/typhoon when it passes near those locations.  Fani will weaken steadily while it moves northeast.  It is likely to be the equivalent of a tropical storm when it passes near Kolkata.  Tropical Cyclone Fani will weaken to the equivalent of a tropical depression when it passes over Bangladesh, but it could still drop heavy rain around Dhaka.  Serious flooding could occur in Bangladesh while Fani weakens.