India Meteorological Department has informed that, Cyclone Yaas is likely to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm, week after cyclone Tauktae had its landfall on the western coast of India. Cyclone Yaas is likely to affect the coastal parts of Odisha and West Bengal on May 26, 2021.

Why IMD warns about cyclonic storm?

IMD has issued waning in the aftermath of a low-pressure area forming over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea. Formation of low area is the first stage of formation of cyclone. Thus, IMD also informed, it is not necessary that all low-pressure areas will intensify into cyclonic storms. The cyclone is likely to move north-westwards and intensify into a cyclonic storm.

What are the Favourable Conditions?

The Andaman Sea, Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of east-central is experiencing favourable Atmospheric and oceanic conditions such as conducive environment for convection and sea surface temperatures. This is result into persistent cloudiness over these areas. IMD has informed, the surface temperature of Bay of Bengal has increased and it could thus provide favourable weather system to turn the storm into a cyclone. If the cyclone is formed, it will be named as “Yaas”. This name has been given by Oman.

Why Bay of Bengal experience frequent cyclones?

Bay of Bengal is warmer than the Arabian Sea. This provides sufficient and continuous heat energy which is required to create and sustain a low-pressure system. Higher sea surface temperatures and humidity is directly related with the chances of formation of cyclone. Apart from that, Bay of Bengal receives higher rainfall and experience constant influx of fresh water from Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers. As a result, surface water keeps on getting refreshed. Thus, it is almost impossible for warm water to mix with cooler water beneath. It is an ideal situation for the formation of depression.