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A cyclonic storm named Shakti may be forming over the Bay of Bengal, according to an update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather agency stated that an upper air cyclonic circulation has developed over the Andaman Sea and is likely to evolve into a low-pressure system between May 16 and May 22. If it intensifies into a cyclone, it will be named Shakti, with potential development expected between May 23 and May 28.

In its press release issued on Wednesday, the IMD said, “An upper air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal adjoining the Tamil Nadu coast was observed at 1.5 km above mean sea level at 0300 UTC on May 14, 2025.”

The department has also confirmed the onset of the southwest monsoon in parts of the south Andaman Sea, Nicobar Islands, south Bay of Bengal, and sections of the north Andaman Sea. Conditions are said to be favourable for further advancement of the monsoon over the south Arabian Sea, Maldives, Comorin area, and remaining parts of the Bay of Bengal and Andaman & Nicobar Islands by May 16 and 17.

Although the cyclone is not yet officially confirmed, meteorologists have warned of a strong possibility of its formation later this month.

The IMD has predicted significant rainfall in various parts of the country over the coming days under the influence of these systems. The northeast region is likely to receive fairly widespread moderate rainfall until May 17.

Other regions such as Konkan, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Telangana, Interior Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal are expected to experience isolated moderate showers during the same period. Scattered rainfall is also forecasted over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar, and Jharkhand.

Isolated heavy rainfall is likely over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands until May 16.

In Karnataka, the IMD has issued a yellow alert for multiple districts, cautioning residents to brace for more pre-monsoon showers through May 16.

In Kolkata, Wednesday’s weather forecast includes a partly cloudy sky with a chance of thunderstorms and light to moderate rain in the evening.

Meanwhile, heatwave conditions are expected to prevail in isolated pockets of Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand on May 14 and 15, parts of Uttar Pradesh until May 19, and in West Rajasthan from May 15 to 17.

The IMD continues to monitor developments closely and advises the public to stay updated with the latest alerts and advisories.

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