A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal (BoB) has intensified into a cyclonic storm. This is the maiden cyclone, named REMAL, by the member country Oman. The cyclone will move nearly northward and reach the Bangladesh coast today night. It is likely to make landfall near Khepupara and move northeast, reach northeast India, and cause inclement weather conditions for the subsequent 48 hours.
Remal is likely to become a severe cyclonic storm and strike the coastline of Bangladesh with wind speed in excess of 120 kmh. Operations at Kolkata airport stand suspended from today's afternoon onward. Southern parts of Gangetic West Bengal, including the capital city will have strong winds and heavy rains from today afternoon onwards. The storm will cross the coast as a severe cyclonic storm and weaken within hours after crossing the coast.
Adverse weather conditions are not likely for Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Gangetic West Bengal including Sundarban Delta, Sagar Islands, Contai, Diamond Harbour, East Medinipur, Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, and South 24 Pargana will be at risk of heavy rains and strong winds, commencing today afternoon. The belt of adverse weather will shift to northeast India from 27th May onward.