Tropical cyclone 01B weakened into a deep depression and rapidly into a depression at around 23:30 hours on March 5th. It was seen as a well-marked low-pressure area over southwest Bay of Bengal today morning.
The reason for this rapid weakening can be attributed to the cooler sea surface temperature as well as increase in vertical wind shear. Moreover, dry winds are also entering from southwest direction to the system. The system is moving in southwest direction towards Tamil Nadu coast.
As we have already stated that in last 120 years only 5 cyclones have formed over Bay of Bengal in the month of March. None has made a direct landfall over Indian mainland. Similarly, this time also we do not expect this weather system to affect Tamil Nadu adversely.
Therefore, the threat of heavy downpour and strong winds has reduced Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coast. The possibility of moderate showers associated with moderate winds of 30-40 Kmph gusting to 50 Kmph cannot be ruled out.
In fact, the system while moving south southwestwards will weaken further. Moreover, rains will be reducing tomorrow even further, and nearly clearing day after tomorrow.
Typically, cyclone season usually starts from April and continues up to June. Cyclone tends to form over Bay of Bengal as well as over Arabian Sea between October and December.
