Cyclone Montha: India’s East Coast on Alert as Severe Cyclonic Storm Approaches

Updated: October 28, 2025 | Source: IMD

India’s eastern coastline is bracing for Cyclone Montha, a powerful weather system intensifying over the southeast Bay of Bengal.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Montha is expected to develop into a Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS) by 28 October 2025, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Telangana, Kerala, and Chhattisgarh.

What is Cyclone Montha?

Cyclone Montha began as a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal and rapidly intensified due to warm sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and moist atmospheric conditions.
Meteorologists predict that it will make landfall between Kakinada and Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

Key IMD Forecast Highlights:

Expected to reach Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS) status by 28 October 2025
Heavy to very heavy rainfall in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Chhattisgarh
Storm surge and coastal flooding likely in low-lying areas
Fishing and marine activities suspended; evacuations underway
Schools closed in several coastal districts as a precautionary measure

How Do Tropical Cyclones Like Montha Form?

Tropical cyclones form over warm ocean waters under specific meteorological conditions.
Here’s a simple step-by-step explanation:

Low-Pressure Development

Warm ocean surfaces heat the air above, creating a low-pressure zone that pulls in surrounding moist air.

Convection and Cloud Formation

Moist air rises, cools, and condenses into towering cumulonimbus clouds.

Cyclonic Circulation

Due to the Coriolis effect, winds start spiraling around the center, forming a rotating system.

Intensification

When sea surface temperatures remain above 27°C and wind shear is low, the storm strengthens into a Cyclonic Storm and may evolve into a Severe Cyclonic Storm.

Cyclone Montha followed this exact path — supported by high humidity and favourable Bay of Bengal conditions.

Why the Bay of Bengal Sees More Cyclones

The Bay of Bengal is one of the most cyclone-prone regions globally, especially during April–May (pre-monsoon) and October–November (post-monsoon).

Major Reasons:

Warm, shallow waters that retain heat longer
High atmospheric humidity provides ample moisture
Semi-enclosed geography traps warm currents
Frequent low-pressure systems that serve as cyclone seeds

Cyclone Montha perfectly fits this recurring pattern of post-monsoon cyclogenesis.

Why is the Cyclone Named “Montha”?

The name “Montha” was contributed by Thailand to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) – ESCAP Panel that manages cyclone naming in the North Indian Ocean.

About Cyclone Naming:

Each member country submits a list of names in advance.
Once a system reaches cyclonic strength, the next name on the list is assigned.
“Montha” likely refers to a fragrant flower or fruit in Thai culture.

Why Naming Matters:

Simplifies public communication and alerts
Aids disaster preparedness and awareness
Prevents confusion when multiple cyclones occur simultaneously

Cyclone Montha’s Expected Impact

According to IMD and state disaster authorities, Cyclone Montha may cause the following impacts:

Possible Effects:

Coastal flooding and storm surge in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha
Damage to standing crops, power lines, and weak structures
Disruptions to transportation and power supply
Evacuations in low-lying areas and coastal villages

Precautions Taken:

Fishermen advised not to venture into the sea
NDRF and SDRF teams deployed in vulnerable districts
Coastal schools and offices closed as precautionary measures

Importance of Understanding Cyclones

Understanding how cyclones form and behave is vital for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.
As climate change increases the intensity of extreme weather, India needs to strengthen early warning systems, evacuation planning, and infrastructure resilience.

For UPSC and Competitive Exams

Cyclone Montha serves as a current example to study:

The science of cyclone formation
The vulnerability of Bay of Bengal states
The cyclone naming protocol under WMO

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Cyclone Montha?

Cyclone Montha is a tropical storm system developing over the Bay of Bengal, expected to intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm by late October 2025.

2. Why does the Bay of Bengal witness frequent cyclones?

Due to warm sea temperatures, high humidity, and favourable wind patterns, the Bay of Bengal produces more cyclones than the Arabian Sea.

3. Who names cyclones in the Indian Ocean region?

Cyclones are named by the WMO–ESCAP Panel, which includes 13 member countries such as India, Thailand, and Bangladesh.

4. What safety measures are being taken for Cyclone Montha?

Authorities have suspended fishing, initiated coastal evacuations, and closed schools in vulnerable areas to ensure public safety.

5. What can we learn from Cyclone Montha?

It highlights the importance of climate awareness, disaster preparedness, and international coordination in managing tropical storms.

Keywords: Cyclone Montha, IMD cyclone update, Bay of Bengal cyclones, Severe Cyclonic Storm 2025, Andhra Pradesh cyclone, Odisha weather, Tamil Nadu cyclone news, WMO cyclone naming, cyclone preparedness in India, climate change and cyclones