Cyclone Arnab moves slowly, rain likely in several areas

DHAKA: Severe Cyclone Arnab, which made landfall along the coast near Puducherry in India, is moving slowly. The cyclone began crossing the coast around midnight on Tuesday, and its speed has started to decrease after landfall, according to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department.

The amount of rainfall expected in Bangladesh due to the cyclone may be lower than previously forecast. The weather office has also predicted a chance of light rain in the capital.

According to a report by Indian media outlet NDTV, the cyclone began crossing the coast early Wednesday morning, ahead of the scheduled time. Heavy rain and gusty winds have started affecting eastern Indian states as the leading edge of the storm moves inland.

The India Meteorological Department said the cyclone was moving rapidly ahead of schedule. It began making landfall between 2am and 4am on Wednesday. According to the department’s latest observations, the cyclone is expected to cross the coastal stretch between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department had forecast Arnab’s landfall along the Indian coast in its latest Special Bulletin No. 13, issued early Wednesday.

Meteorologist Md Tariful Newaz Kabir told Prothom Alo on Wednesday morning that the cyclone began slowing down after moving over land. It is now crossing the coast very slowly, and completing the process may take considerable time.

Meteorologists had earlier forecast rainfall in Bangladesh’s coastal areas and several other regions, including Dhaka, due to Arnab’s influence. Rain has already occurred in some coastal areas. However, the amount may be lower than initially expected, Kabir said.

He added that the cyclone had slowed and was moving northwest. Rain may occur in various parts of Khulna, Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions.

Whenever a low-pressure system develops over the sea, humidity levels rise, often contributing to intense heat. This pattern has also been observed this time. Heatwaves affected several districts on Tuesday, including areas in Dhaka, Khulna, Mymensingh and Sylhet divisions. The temperature in the capital reached 37.1 degrees Celsius.

Asked about the likelihood of rain in Dhaka, Kabir said light rainfall was possible in the afternoon or evening.

Meanwhile, the effects of Cyclone Arnab have spread beyond Andhra Pradesh to West Bengal. Heavy rain accompanied by strong gusty winds has begun in several parts of the state.

At the popular Digha sea beach in East Midnapore district, the Bay of Bengal has turned extremely turbulent, with strong winds sweeping across the shore. Local authorities have advised residents and tourists to remain alert amid the adverse weather conditions.