IMD Issues Warning for Maharashtra, Gujarat as Cyclone Shakti Intensifies

The India Meteorological Department has issued a warning for Maharashtra and Gujarat after Cyclone Shakti over the Arabian Sea turned into a severe cyclonic storm. The name “Shakti,” proposed by Sri Lanka, symbolizes strength and resilience.

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cyclone warning for Maharashtra after Cyclone Shakti over the Arabian Sea turned into a severe cyclonic storm on October 6–7, 2025. Thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds are expected to continue for the next few days.

Naming of Cyclone Shakti

• The name of Cyclone Shakti has been given as per the guidelines of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones. The name “Shakti,” proposed by Sri Lanka, symbolizes strength and resilience.
• The names are selected from lists provided by 13 member countries including India, Bangladesh, Oman, and Myanmar.

Status of Cyclone Shakti

• Cyclone Shakti was located over the northeastern Arabian Sea near latitude 21.7°N and longitude 66.8°E, about 270 km southwest of Naliya, 300 km west of Porbandar, and 360 km south of Karachi.
• Issuing a five-day forecast, the IMD warned that sea conditions along the Gujarat-Maharashtra coastline would remain rough to very rough. During this period, winds with speeds of 45–55 km per hour may blow, reaching up to 65 km per hour.
• Strong winds with speeds of 60–100 km per hour are expected. Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the northwestern Arabian Sea due to dangerous conditions.
• The IMD also stated that Mumbai may experience scattered light rain until the 8th of this month. A similar forecast has been issued for Thane and Raigad districts. However, heavy rain is likely in Palghar district on Wednesday.
• According to a study conducted in 2017 by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), India’s annual average temperature has increased by about 1.2°C since 1901. This warming has increased the frequency of intense cyclones.
• The IMD classifies cyclones based on wind speed and pressure levels. Cyclone Shakti falls under the category of “Severe Cyclonic Storm” with sustained wind speeds between 118 and 165 km/h.

Previous cyclones in India

• Cyclonic Storm Neelam (2012)
• Cyclonic Storm Ockhi (2017)
• Cyclonic Storm Hudhud (2014)
• Cyclonic Storm Tauktae (2021)
• Odisha Super Cyclone (1999)