New Delhi: Cyclone Shakhti, the first cyclonic storm of the post-monsoon season in the Arabian Sea, has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, packing sustained winds of up to 100 kmph with stronger gusts, officials said on Saturday.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the storm is currently centered around 420 km off the coast of Dwarka, Gujarat, and is moving west-southwestwards over the sea. It is expected to reach the northwest and adjoining west-central Arabian Sea by Sunday. From Monday morning, Shakhti is likely to recurve and move east-northeastwards, gradually losing strength as it progresses.
Under the cyclone’s influence, sea conditions are expected to remain rough to very rough along and off the Gujarat–north Maharashtra coast and the Pakistan coastline until Sunday. The IMD has issued a strict advisory for fishermen to avoid venturing into the northwest and central Arabian Sea, as well as waters near Gujarat and Maharashtra, until Tuesday.
Officials said the system is being closely monitored using satellites and coastal radar networks to track its movement and potential impact. Although the storm is moving away from the Indian coast, authorities have been advised to remain vigilant.
In recent years, the Arabian Sea has witnessed a rise in intense cyclonic storms, including Tauktae (2021) and Biparjoy (2023), which caused widespread coastal damage. Traditionally, this region sees fewer cyclones compared to the Bay of Bengal, but climate scientists note a growing trend of warmer sea surface temperatures fuelling stronger systems in the west coast basin.
The cyclone has been named ‘Shakhti’, a suggestion from Sri Lanka, following the naming convention set by the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones, which includes 13 member countries bordering the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
