IMD debunks Cyclone Shakti speculations: No cause for alarm; all you need to know

In response to widespread speculation regarding the formation of a cyclone named "Cyclone Shakti," the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a firm clarification, urging the public to remain calm and rely solely on official weather updates.According to the reports that were published earlier, a powerful cyclonic storm was forming over the Bay of Bengal and was expected to affect coastal areas of West Bengal and Odisha between May 23 and May 28. The identification of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea, a typical pre-monsoon weather occurrence, served as the basis for these reports.Read more: Planning a trip to Georgia? Indian travellers can now enter more easily; find out howHabibur Rahman Biswas, head of the Forecast Centre at the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata, explained that the confusion arose from a misinterpretation of meteorological terms. He explained that a cyclonic circulation refers to a rotation of air at higher altitudes, typically between 1.5 km and 7.6 km above the ground, and does not necessarily lead to the formation of a surface-level cyclonic storm. "Many people mistake any mention of the word 'cyclonic' as an imminent threat of a cyclone, which is not the case," Biswas stated.The IMD has cautioned against circulating unverified information and firmly denied the presence of any cyclone. As of now, the agency has not issued any cyclone warnings. Any official updates or alerts regarding cyclone development will be communicated through press releases and official bulletins.Read more: 7 countries you should visit if you want to travel differentlyThe department also highlighted the early onset of the southwest monsoon, which has advanced into parts of the Bay of Bengal, the south Andaman Sea, the Nicobar Islands, and sections of the north Andaman Sea as of May 13. This is the earliest recorded onset in the past seven years. The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds in several regions, including Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, east Rajasthan, and parts of southern and central India.Residents and travelers are advised to stay informed through official channels such as the IMD website and the Mausam app. Relying on verified sources is crucial to avoid unnecessary panic and ensure safety during the pre-monsoon season.