The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has assured that Cyclonic Storm ‘Tej,’ forming in the southwest Arabian Sea, is not expected to impact Gujarat. The IMD had earlier reported that a low-pressure area in the Arabian Sea would develop into a cyclonic storm by October 21.

Following cyclone-naming conventions in the Indian Ocean Region, this storm has been designated as ‘Tej.’ The IMD forecasts that it will strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by October 22 and move towards the southern coastlines of Oman and Yemen. However, cyclones can sometimes alter their course.

Officials have indicated that the storm is not an immediate threat to Gujarat, and the state is unlikely to be affected. Cyclone Biparjoy, which originated in the Arabian Sea in June, had initially posed a threat to Gujarat but altered its course and made landfall in Kutch.

Most weather models and private forecasting agencies, such as Skymet Weather, concur that the cyclonic storm is directed toward the coastal areas of Yemen and Oman.

Cyclonic storms are characterized by maximum sustained wind speeds of 62-88 kmph, while severe cyclonic storms have wind speeds ranging from 89-117 kmph. Additionally, the IMD has noted the development of a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify into a depression around October 22, bringing rainfall to some parts of Tamil Nadu.