The Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal have been the focus and hot activity centers for cyclones, this season. Cyclones formed in this region in quick succession, both, original and remnant of Pacific systems as well. Tropical cyclone basins have a seasonal pattern and the activity peaks in late summer when the difference between the temperature aloft and sea surface is large. High levels of heat potential and sea surface temperature exceeding 26 degree centigrade are the essential requirements towards the formation of cyclones.
Hurricane, Typhoon and cyclone are different names for the same phenomenon. They are named according to the ocean basis. These are packed with torrential rains and maximum sustained winds exceeding 119 kmph. In the central and Eastern North Pacific, including Caribbeans and Gulf of Mexico, they are called Hurricanes and in the Western North Pacific, as Typhoons. In the Indian Ocean inclusive of Indian Seas, they are known as Cyclones.
In the Western Pacific, the Typhoon season lasts from May till December. This season has witnessed the most number of tropical depressions after 1964. Hurricane season endures from June 1 to Nov 30 and peaks from late August through September. North Indian Ocean does not observe any official bounds for cyclone season. However, the cyclones in the Indian Seas tend to form between April and Dec with peak being the months of October and November.
Tropical cyclones are more complex and difficult to predict. They are notorious for rapid changes in their intensity and track, defying the timelines many a time. Fifteen of the twenty deadliest tropical cyclones in the world history have been Bay of Bengal storms that have hit Bangladesh, India and Myanmar. The current Cyclone Madi had the dual distinction of rapidly intensifying into a ‘very severe’ cyclonic storm and then quickly weakening to a depression over the sea itself. The journey of Cyclone Madi however, ends on a positive solace as the Indian coastline escapes the fury of the storm. This may as well, bring the cyclone season close to an end in the Indian seas. We look for more of easterly waves and other small perturbations for rainfall over Tamil Nadu and Kerala for the rest of the season.
