While the cyclone may bring some relief from the heat, it will be too far away to affect much of the country and could exacerbate the heat for some.
As the storm moves northwest, areas on India’s east central coast will experience widespread wind and rain impacts.
Asani is the second storm to hit India this season. The name of the first storm in March in southern India was not named.
Slow storm could bring catastrophic rain
By Thursday, the storm is likely to begin turning to the north-northeast, moving along the coast and affecting Odisha.
Interaction with the ground will gradually weaken the storm, although as it slows down, there will still be a lot of precipitation.
“Now that Asani’s speed has slowed significantly, longer torrential rains are possible along the coast, increasing the chance of flooding,” CNN meteorologist Chad Myers said.
When it comes to death and destruction from tropical cyclones, rain is a key factor to consider.
Parts of the Indian coast close to the storm’s landfall are expected to receive up to 150mm (6 inches) of rain over the next few days.
Asani’s cloud cover may provide some relief from the heat along the coast. However, the storm could also mean that those further inland will see a dramatic rise in temperatures.
Not enough to reset the scorching temperatures
This storm comes amid a heatwave that has affected much of central India. Temperature soared to 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) on Tuesday.
This heatwave continues the brutal April heat wave in parts of the country, including New Delhi.
“They had 19 days of the month with high temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), well above their average April high temperature of 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit),” the meteorologist told CNN Robert Shackelford. “This heat was also significant as it was the hottest April in northwest India, well above average for April.”
Asani can exacerbate the heatwave due to the effect of rapidly rising air in and around the eye, or due to low pressure at the center and descending air and higher pressure around its periphery.
“This will act to limit any cloud formation, leading to full sun and warming,” CNN meteorologist Brandon Miller said. “It brings rain and cooler temperatures to the areas it hits, but for the central and northern/western parts (of India) it tends to exacerbate heat waves.”
The only relief for the rest of India will come with the onset of the rainy season.
Beginning of the monsoon season
Cyclones don’t usually occur during the rainy season because too much wind shear – high winds in the upper levels tearing tropical systems apart – in the atmosphere tends to hinder development.
However, at the beginning of the season, cyclones can develop with still relatively weak wind shear.
While the monsoon, which brings relief from the relentless heat, will begin to reach the southernmost regions of India by the end of May, it usually does not reach New Delhi until early July, leaving enough room for more dangerous days. heat.