Cyclone Tauktae may hit coastal regions of Gujarat by May 18

The first cyclone of 2021 is likely to form on May 16 in the Arabian Sea. The IMD* said that a low-pressure area had formed close to Lakshadweep on the morning of May 13. When this cyclone is formed it will be named Tauktae. Tauktae is a name given by Myanmar and it means a highly vocal lizard gecko. This may intensify into a depression by May 15 and into a cyclone on May 16. The cyclone may intensify and move towards the coasts of Gujarat and adjoining Pakistan. The track of the cyclone will be very close to the Gujarat coast. It may make landfall in Gujarat by the evening of May 18. Coastal Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra will experience heavy rainfall from May 14.
The frequency and intensity of cyclones in the Arabian Sea have increased in recent years. This is due to the rapid warming of the Arabian sea because of climate change. Cyclones like Fani and Amphan have intensified from a weak to severe status in less than 24 hours due to ocean warming.