News: Cyclone Montha has intensified over the southeast Bay of Bengal and is expected to make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast.
About Cyclone Montha
- Cyclone Montha is a tropical cyclone forming over the Bay of Bengal as a low-pressure system.
- Named after: The cyclone, whose name meaning “fragrant flower” was provided by Thailand. The word “Montha” means “a fragrant flower” or “beautiful flower” in the Thai language.
- Impacted region: The cyclone had impacts in Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and coastal Telangana with widespread rainfall and gusty winds.
- These areas are at high risk of flooding, strong winds, and damage to homes and crops.
- The system intensified into a deep depression by 26 October and later strengthened into a cyclonic storm.
- Favourable conditions: Its intensification was supported by warm sea surface temperatures above 28 °C, low vertical wind shear, and adequate moisture inflow.
- The IMD has indicated that the storm may intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm before landfall.
