Cyclone 'Mocha' likely to form over Bay of Bengal around 12-13 May

The US and European weather forecast models have predicted that a cyclone named "Mocha" may form over the Bay of Bengal around 12 to 13 May.

"The cyclone is expected to hit the Bangladesh coast at a speed of 150-180 km," said weather expert Mostafa Kamal Palash, a PhD researcher on weather and climate at Saskatchewan University in Canada.

"According to the European model, the cyclone is likely to hit the coastal region of Cox's Bazar and Chattogram on 12 May afternoon. The American model predicts that it is likely to hit the coastal area of northern Chattogram, Noakhali, and Bhola after 12pm on 13 May," said Palash.

The Bangladeshi and Indian meteorological authorities said a low pressure area is likely to form over the Southeast Bay of Bengal next week, which may develop into a severe cyclonic storm. If the depression develops into a cyclone, it will be called Mocha.

Azizur Rahman, director of Meteorological Department, said a couple of low pressure areas may form over the Bay of Bengal this month.

"One of these may turn into a cyclone in the second week of the month," he added.

A low pressure area may develop around 6 May and may intensify around 9 May. It will then move further northeastward and develop into a deep depression near the Andaman Islands on 10 May. It may develop into a severe cyclonic storm by 11 May, according to India's Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC).

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecasted that there is a possibility of normal rainfall in the country throughout the month of May.

There might also be one to three days of moderate or severe monsoon with thunder and hail, and three to five days of light or moderate monsoon with thunder and hail.

One severe heatwave (over 40° C) and a couple of mild (36°–38° C) or moderate (38°–40° C) heatwaves may hit some parts of the country during this month.