Could Cyclone Shakti Signal a Changing Climate in the Arabian Sea

Cyclone Shakti has brought a new intensity to post-monsoon weather along India’s western coastline, prompting widespread alerts and the deployment of disaster response resources.

For many in Maharashtra and Gujarat, the current season has felt not only unusual but possibly indicative of something fundamentally different in the region’s climate system.

The state meteorological authorities and local governments have heightened their vigilance, particularly as warnings increase of localized flooding and hazardous sea conditions.

Communities and officials are closely monitoring the storm’s trajectory, keenly aware that its course could provide critical insights into the Arabian Sea’s evolving climate.

How Is Cyclone Shakti Different From Earlier Arabian Sea Storms

Traditionally, the Arabian Sea has seen fewer cyclones compared to the Bay of Bengal, yet recent years have begun to challenge this pattern. Cyclone Shakti, arriving as the first post-monsoon storm of 2025, has already generated wind speeds of up to 100 kmph, rivaling some of the most severe weather events in the region’s recent memory.

Past storms, such as Cyclone Tauktae in 2021 and Biparjoy in 2023, have hinted at a trend toward more frequent and intense cyclones in the Arabian Sea.

Meteorologists are pointing to the distinctive timing, rapid build-up, and the cyclone’s strength as deviations from historical norms in this key maritime region.

Did you know?
Sri Lanka named Cyclone Shakti under the WMO/ESCAP Panel system, reflecting international cooperation in storm monitoring.

Why Did Cyclone Shakti Strengthen So Rapidly

Forecasters note that sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea have been on the rise, creating a conducive environment for cyclones to both form more easily and intensify at a greater pace.

Shakti’s swift escalation from a low-pressure system to a full-fledged cyclonic storm stands out even among the heightened activity of recent years.

Climate models have projected an increase in high-intensity cyclones in this basin as global temperatures rise.

Shakti’s development, while still under close scientific study, is being cited by experts as aligning with these projections in both timing and scale.

What Are the IMD’s Key Warnings and Forecasts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of sustained wind speeds of 45-55 kmph, with gusts reaching 65 kmph, along the north Maharashtra coast from October 3 to 5.

The agency continues to caution fishermen against venturing into the sea as conditions remain very rough, with extreme caution advised until at least October 8.

The IMD forecasts very heavy rainfall across the interior of Maharashtra, especially in East Vidarbha and Marathwada.

There is added concern for localized flooding in low-lying coastal areas, while several parts of Gujarat can also expect moderate to heavy showers, especially as the system moves northeast.

How Are Authorities and Communities Responding

The Maharashtra government has activated all district disaster management units, preparing evacuation plans and bolstering readiness in flood-prone and coastal regions.

Rescue teams have been placed on alert, and local advisories have emphasized the need to keep travel and sea-based activities to a strict minimum during the period of heightened risk.

Community leaders, agricultural networks, and public safety officials are collaborating closely to ensure that timely information reaches at-risk populations.

Efforts to monitor embankments, secure infrastructure, and provide for those affected by the storm have become top priorities as weather conditions on the ground evolve.

Does Climate Change Influence Arabian Sea Cyclone Activity

Leading meteorologists and climate scientists point to growing evidence that warming sea waters are directly contributing to the fueling of stronger cyclonic storms in the Arabian Sea.

Events such as Cyclone Shakti are being watched globally as case studies for how local climate trends may shift in response to a warming planet.

While each cyclone has its own unique path and impacts, the acceleration in both the frequency and intensity of storms in recent years is seen as a cause for concern.

Policy makers and researchers alike are calling for better forecasting models, expanded disaster preparation, and more robust regional cooperation to address the mounting risks.

Looking ahead, the trajectory of Cyclone Shakti will be closely scrutinized by climate researchers, farmers, coastal authorities, and millions living along the western Indian seaboard.

Each new development contributes to the data pool, enabling experts to track, predict, and respond to what may be a rapidly changing maritime environment.