IMD: Gujarat coast to receive heavy rainfall due to 'Maha' Cyclone

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rainfall is likely over Gujarat and Saurashtra coasts on Sunday because of the influence of Severe Cyclonic Storm 'Maha'. The weather forecast agency also predicted that under the influence of the low-pressure area over the Andaman Sea, heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places is very likely over Andaman and Nicobar Islands from November 3 to 6.

The Severe Cyclonic Storm has now moved towards northwestwards

The Severe Cyclonic Storm 'Maha' which was hovering over the east-central Arabian Sea, has now moved towards northwestwards with a speed of 14 kph in the past six hours. The cyclonic storm is about 520 km south-southwest of Veraval (Gujarat) and 540 km south-southwest of Diu. The IMD in its All India Weather Forecast Bulletin stated, "It is very likely to move west-northwestwards till November 4 and recurve east-northeastwards towards south Gujarat and adjoining north Maharashtra coasts thereafter."

It is very likely to intensify into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm over the east-central Arabian sea during the next 12 hours. However, after the re-curvature, it is very likely to weaken gradually while moving east-northeastwards. The organisation has advised fishermen not to venture into central and northeast Arabian Sea for the next couple of days.

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Rains in Rajasthan as 'Maha' Cyclone intensifies

Rains lashed parts of Rajasthan due to an upper air trough built due to the Maha Cyclone, a Met official said Saturday. Jaisalmer recorded 5.4 mm rainfall followed by 3 mm in Bikaner, 2.8 mm in Kota and 2.6 mm in Churu. An upper air trough has built-in parts of Rajasthan especially in Kota and Udaipur divisions due to the cyclonic activity in neighbouring Gujarat. Thunderstorm with light to moderate rainfall is likely at isolated places in Baran, Kota, Bundi, Udaipur, Churu, Chittorgarh, Jhalawar, Sirohi, Alwar and Jhunjhunu districts, regional Met director Shiv Ganesh said.

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(With agency inputs)