Mumbai: Cyclone Shakti, the first cyclonic storm of the season over the Arabian Sea, has strengthened and is expected to bring severe weather conditions along the Maharashtra coast — including Mumbai — over the next few days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday.
The IMD has placed Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg under alert, warning of strong winds and heavy rainfall between October 3 and 7. Wind speeds are forecast to reach 45–55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph along the north Maharashtra coast between October 3 and 5. Fishermen have been strictly advised to avoid venturing into the sea, with very rough to high sea conditions expected.
While the cyclone’s centre remains far from India’s coastline, its outer rain bands are likely to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to several parts of Maharashtra. Interior regions such as East Vidarbha and Marathwada are expected to experience intense downpours on October 3–4, posing a risk of flooding in low-lying areas of North Konkan. Meanwhile, Madhya Maharashtra and Marathwada may see thunderstorms and moderate rainfall due to a depression over interior Odisha interacting with the system.
The Maharashtra government has instructed district administrations to activate disaster management units, prepare evacuation plans, and issue public safety advisories. A “yellow alert” has been issued for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Pune, and Ratnagiri.
Current Position of Cyclone Shakti
As of Friday morning, the IMD reported that Cyclone Shakti was positioned approximately 270 km southwest of Naliya (Gujarat), 300 km west of Porbandar, and 360 km south of Karachi (Pakistan). The storm is currently moving northwestwards at around 8 kmph and is projected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Saturday. It is expected to track west-southwestwards toward the central Arabian Sea by October 5.
Although the cyclone is not expected to make landfall in India, forecasters have warned that its peripheral impact will be felt through turbulent seas and heavy coastal rainfall.
An IMD official confirmed that the system’s trajectory is away from the Indian mainland, stating:
“The movement is west-northwestwards initially and then west-southwestwards. The system will not directly impact land but will significantly affect sea conditions. Fishermen are strongly advised not to venture into the sea.”
Sea conditions are forecast to remain very rough to high over the northwest, adjoining northeast, and central Arabian Sea until October 3, turning high to very high between October 4 and 6. Rough seas are expected along and off the Gujarat, north Maharashtra, and Pakistan coasts until October 5.
Heavy Rains Add to Statewide Concerns
The cyclone warning comes close on the heels of last week’s intense rainfall that placed Mumbai, Thane, and Raigad on red alert. The IMD has already projected above-normal rainfall for Maharashtra in October.
Earlier this week, IMD Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that October was likely to witness heightened monsoon activity. With Cyclone Shakti now developing rapidly over the Arabian Sea, authorities are on high alert, preparing for further heavy rainfall across coastal and interior districts.
Residents in vulnerable coastal areas have been advised to avoid non-essential travel during peak rainfall hours and to comply with evacuation orders if issued.
As Maharashtra braces for Cyclone Shakti, forecasters maintain that while the system is unlikely to make landfall, it will keep the Arabian Sea turbulent for several days, posing risks of flooding, strong winds, and heavy rain — particularly in Mumbai and adjoining coastal districts.
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