New Delhi: The Bay of Bengal is bracing for another powerful storm as winter has begun to grip the country. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a major alert for Cyclone “Fengal”, potentially the second major cyclonic storm of the 2024 season. This projected storm, expected to form over the Andaman Sea south of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by November 21, promises to be a significant weather event.
While the northeast monsoon season typically sees peak storm activity in November, this year has been relatively quiet, with Cyclone Dana being the sole notable post-monsoon storm, making landfall in Odisha last month.
Now, the IMD forecasts the development of “Cyclone Feenjal”, a name proposed by Saudi Arabia. The storm is projected to intensify between November 22 and 23, creating a low-pressure system as it moves towards the northwestern Bay of Bengal.
This anticipated storm’s path differs from typical November cyclones in the Bay of Bengal, which often track towards northern Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal. The current forecast suggests that Feenjal, if it intensifies as expected, will be headed for northern Sri Lanka, making landfall between November 26 and 27.
However, the IMD stresses that predictions are still preliminary and that the storm’s trajectory and intensity remain uncertain and is predicted to make an impact on Sri Lanka. The system’s behaviour in the coming days will be crucial in determining its final path and impact. The IMD is closely monitoring the low-pressure system, continually assessing potential changes to its forecast.
