Cyclone Fengal: Deep Depression Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal

Why in the news?

IMD forecasts Cyclone Fengal to develop from a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal, bringing heavy rainfall and potential coastal impacts to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Cyclone Fengal: Deep Depression Intensifies Over Bay of Bengal

Cyclone Development and Forecast

  • The deep depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by November 28–29, 2024, with wind speeds reaching 65–85 kmph.
  • Located 100 km east-northeast of Trincomalee, it will move north-northwestward, skirting Sri Lanka’s coast before likely crossing Tamil Nadu-Puducherry coasts near Karaikal and Mahabalipuram by November 30 morning.
  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu, particularly in coastal districts and Cauvery delta regions, damaging crops in over 2,000 acres.

About the Naming of Cyclone Fengal:

  • Name Assignment: If the deep depression intensifies, it will be named Fengal.
  • Proposed By: Saudi Arabia, under the WMO/ESCAP panel.
  • Name Significance: Rooted in Arabic, reflecting regional linguistic and cultural heritage.
  • Cyclone Naming Criteria: Names are short, distinctive, and universally non-offensive for effective communication and regional relevance.

Cyclones: Arabian Sea vs. Bay of Bengal

  • Frequency: Cyclones are less frequent in the Arabian Sea compared to the Bay of Bengal.
  • Factors: Differences in sea surface temperature, wind patterns, and geography.
  • Bay of Bengal: Warm waters and lower vertical wind shear create more favorable cyclone formation conditions.

Worldwide Terminology of Tropical Cyclones: Typhoons:

  • Occur in the China Sea and Pacific Ocean.
  • Impact East and Southeast Asia, including Japan, China, and the Philippines.
  • Hurricanes:
  • Found in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
  • Affect the United States, Mexico, and Caribbean nations.
  • Tornadoes:
  • Common in West Africa and Southern USA.
  • Feature rotating air columns from thunderstorms.
  • Willy-willies:
  • Term for tropical cyclones in Northwestern Australia.
  • Known for heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times