Cyclone 'Montha': Check Landfall Date, Location, and The Meaning Behind Its Name

A brewing weather system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into Cyclone Montha early next week, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to parts of South India and the east coast. The India Meteorological

Department (IMD) has warned that the system, currently forming over the southeast Bay, is likely to become a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday, October 28.

Where Will Cyclone Montha Make Landfall?

According to the IMD, the depression is currently centred near latitude 10.8°N and longitude 88.8°E, and is expected to strengthen into a deep depression by Sunday, October 26, before turning into a cyclonic storm by Monday morning, October 27.The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Alipore, stated that the storm will further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Tuesday, October 28, and is likely to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam, around Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, later that evening.

In a statement, the IMD said, “Continuing to move north-northwestwards, it is very likely to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada during the evening or night of 28th October as a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph.”

Why Is It Called ‘Montha’?

If the system develops into a cyclonic storm, it will be named Montha — a name given by Thailand. The word “Montha” translates to “beautiful flowers” in Thai, reflecting the regional naming practice where each member country in the World Meteorological Organisation’s panel suggests names for cyclones.Also Read: Chennai on High Alert as IMD Warns of Heavy Rainfall Today; Check Cyclone ‘Montha’s Impact on the City

Impact on Bengal and Kolkata

While Cyclone Montha will largely track south of Bengal, Kolkata and neighbouring districts are expected to feel its outer effects. The city is forecast to receive light rain or thundershowers from Monday night, followed by moderate rainfall on October 28 and 29.The IMD has predicted thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds of 30–40 kmph across Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, and North and South 24 Parganas. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has already begun preparations to tackle potential waterlogging in low-lying areas, ensuring pumps and drainage systems are on standby.

Coastal Warnings Issued

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea between October 28 and 30, as squally winds up to 55 kmph and rough sea conditions are expected along the Bengal and Andhra coasts. Authorities have also urged coastal residents to remain alert and follow official advisories as the system moves closer to land.

A Cloudy, Wet Week Ahead

As the Bay of Bengal churns, Kolkata’s skies are set to turn cloudy, with increasing humidity through the weekend. The heaviest spells of rain are likely on October 28 and 29, coinciding with the storm’s peak strength.While Bengal may escape the direct impact, gusty winds, thunderstorms, and a noticeable dip in temperature are likely — marking a wet and windy end to October as Cyclone Montha makes its presence felt across India’s eastern coast.