Mumbai: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has clarified that severe cyclonic storm Shakhti, currently passing over the Arabian Sea, poses no threat to Mumbai or Maharashtra. The storm is expected to gradually weaken as it moves west-southwestwards before recurving towards the northeast Arabian Sea.
According to IMD’s five-day forecast, Mumbai will experience light to moderate rainfall with chances of thundershowers, while Thane and Palghar have been placed under a ‘Yellow Alert’ on October 7 for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds at isolated places. Day temperatures are likely to hover around 30°C and night temperatures around 24°C.
IMD scientist Sushma Nair assured on Sunday that Cyclone Shakthi will not directly impact the state. However, monsoon activity will continue, with another spell of rainfall expected on October 6–7 before the monsoon withdrawal, which may be delayed beyond the official date of October 10.
As of October 5, the cyclone lay centered about 220 km southeast of Ras Al Hadd (Oman), 250 km east of Masirah (Oman), and 750 km southwest of Karachi (Pakistan). Weather systems also indicate strong to vigorous monsoon conditions over parts of the Arabian Sea.
