A forming weather system above the Arabian Sea is displaying indications of strengthening into a depression and might shortly be declared Cyclone ‘Shakti’ by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system is already located off the Konkan-Goa coast and is picking up speed owing to upper-air cyclonic circulation, which has triggered enhanced convection activity.
IMD stated, “A low-pressure system is over east-central Arabian Sea off south Konkan-Goa. It should move nearly northwards and deepen further into a depression within next 36 hours. Possibility of its further strengthening thereafter is also there.”
Gangasagar, West Bengal: Cyclone Shakti in the Bay of Bengal has intensified, prompting South 24 Parganas officials to prepare for potential impact. Sundarbans residents are being warned, with relief centers ready and evacuation plans in place. The cyclone may affect Gujarat and… pic.twitter.com/7fyFWvbx36
— IANS (@ians_india) May 27, 2025
Cyclone Shakti: What the Name Means
If the system develops into a full-blown cyclone, it will be dubbed ‘Shakti’, suggested by Sri Lanka. The word ‘Shakti’ is derived from Tamil and Sanskrit and refers to “power” or “strength” and is commonly linked with divine feminine power in Indian lore — appropriate for so potentially powerful a storm.
According to an ET report, this brewing tempest may soon get its official tag, Cyclone ‘Shakti’, if the conditions go in its favor in the next few hours.
Precautionary Steps Taken as Red Alerts Issued
The IMD has already issued red alerts for several districts of Maharashtra and Goa. The weather department has forecast “very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall” for these areas, particularly from Friday to the weekend. Mumbai, which has seen initial pre-monsoon rain, has been put on orange alert, while nearby districts such as Raigad and Ratnagiri have been issued red alert.
IMD researcher Akhil Srivastava informed ANI, “Heavy to very heavy rain has been announced in Konkan Goa in the night and for the following two days. Here a red warning has been announced and there are chances of heavy to very heavy rains in the neighboring areas of Central Maharashtra and West Coast.”
Arabian Sea BecomesSecular; Fishermen Warned to Remain Ashore
The Arabian Sea is likely to witness hazardous sea conditions, such as windy conditions and large waves during the weekend. As a precaution, authorities have asked fishermen to avoid going out to sea.
Even though the system hasn’t been graded as a cyclonic storm as yet, authorities are keeping a close eye on its movement. Srivastava said, “The system may develop and shift towards the north and might lead to some further movement in the west coast.”
Gangasagar Prepared for Cyclone Threat, Though Bengal Largely Safe
In South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, and more so in Gangasagar and the Sundarbans, the authorities have put precautionary arrangements in place even though the cyclone is expected to hit western India first and possibly Gujarat and Pakistan as well. Relief centers are prepared and evacuation plans are on, although Bengal is likely to escape largely unscathed.
Early Monsoon Arrival Adds to Atmospheric Volatility
The premature arrival of the southwest monsoon over Kerala has also impacted the atmospheric dynamics over peninsular India, possibly helping in the development of the storm. The IMD continues to closely watch the developing weather pattern as the nation waits for a official announcement of Cyclone ‘Shakti’.
For now, everyone’s eyes are on the Arabian Sea, monitoring as this developing system creeps closer to becoming the season’s next named storm.
