Source: TH
Context:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has officially confirmed the formation of Cyclone Shakthi over the northeast Arabian Sea, marking one of the early post-monsoon cyclonic events of 2025.
About Cyclone Shakthi
- A tropical cyclonic storm that developed in the northeast Arabian Sea, around 340 km west of Dwarka, Gujarat.
- Named “Shakhti” under the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) regional naming system for the North Indian Ocean.
Origin and Development:
- Emerged from a low-pressure area formed over the warm Arabian Sea waters in early October 2025.
- Intensified into a Cyclonic Storm (CS) on October 3, and is forecast to strengthen into a Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS) as it moves west-southwestwards.
Why the Bay of Bengal Gets More Cyclones than the Arabian Sea?
| Factor | Bay of Bengal | Arabian Sea |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Surface Temperature | Warmer (29–30°C) throughout the year | Cooler due to strong winds and high evaporation |
| Moisture Availability | High moisture from river inflows and monsoon winds | Dry winds from Oman and Yemen reduce moisture |
| External Atmospheric Triggers | Frequently receives remnants of Pacific typhoons that re-intensify | Rarely influenced by external low-pressure systems, leading to fewer cyclones |
