Cyclone Shakti, a Severe Cyclonic Storm formed over the east-central Arabian Sea, marks a growing trend of powerful tropical systems on India’s west coast. Although it is not expected to make landfall, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for Maharashtra and Gujarat, warning of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and rough seas.
The storm developed under favorable conditions — sea surface temperatures above 27°C, low wind shear, and strong upper-level outflow — allowing rapid intensification. As of October 4, 2025, Cyclone Shakti was positioned about 420 km off Dwarka (Gujarat), moving west-southwest at 18 km/h, with sustained winds of 89–117 km/h.
The name “Shakti”, meaning “power,” was proposed by Sri Lanka under the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones, which standardizes naming for North Indian Ocean storms.
Meteorologists note a concerning pattern — the Arabian Sea has witnessed a 52% rise in severe cyclones between 2001 and 2019, driven by warming sea temperatures and changing Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) patterns. Traditionally less active than the Bay of Bengal, the west coast is now facing heightened cyclone risks linked to climate change.
Static Facts:
- Cyclone Category: Severe Cyclonic Storm (IMD)
- Winds: 89–117 km/h
- Distance from India: ~420 km from Dwarka (as of Oct 4, 2025)
- Cyclone Season: April–December (peak: May, Oct–Nov)
- Minimum SST for formation:5–27°C
