Cyclone Hikka forms in the Arabian Sea, heading towards Oman
After undergoing through several
intensifications, Cyclone Hikka has finally formed in the Arabian Sea. The name
Hikka has been given by the Maldives. The system, which was a Deep Depression
in the East Central and adjoining Northern parts of the Arabian Sea has now
become a Cyclonic storm centered at Lat. 20.3°N and Long. 65.9°E in the Arabian
Sea.
Hikka at present is 400 km away from the
Gujarat coast and 500 km from Pakistan and is currently moving
west-northwestward. Thereafter, the Cyclone will take a west southwest path as
an anti Cyclone over the Arabian Peninsula will restrict its movement to that
side. Currently, Hikka is moving at a speed of 10 kmph packing wind speed of 90
kmph.
Talking about sea conditions, the wind shear
is moderate with the sea surface temperature being warm between 29 to 30
degrees Celsius.
Hikka is likely to hit the Oman coast, south
of Masirah, close to Duqm, which is a port and a refinery in the next 48 hours.
Talking about its effect over the Indian
mainland, the storm is likely to spare the Gujarat coast with the outflow of
the system resulting in clouding and very light rains over Saurashtra and
Kutch, that too only today. Thus, no threat lies to the Indian coastline in
view of Hikka.
