Thiruvananthapuram: A new cyclone, Murasu, has formed over the Bay of Bengal following Cyclone Arnab and is moving towards the Andhra Pradesh coast. Although the system is not expected to directly affect Kerala, its influence is likely to bring heavy rainfall to several parts of the state over the next few days.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Murasu is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm on Monday. It is forecast to cross the south Andhra Pradesh coast between Nellore and Narsapur during the night of November 2 and the early hours of November 3, with wind speeds of 100–110 kmph and gusts reaching up to 120 kmph.
The cyclone was located over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, around 630 km east-southeast of Chennai, according to the IMD’s November 1 bulletin. Meanwhile, the IMD has issued a yellow alert in six districts of Kerala for Monday, November 2. Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod are likely to receive heavy rainfall.
For Tuesday, November 3, yellow alerts have been issued for Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. On Wednesday, November 4, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad and Malappuram are under a yellow alert.The IMD has forecast thunderstorms and rain in parts of Kerala during this period. Residents are advised to remain cautious and follow official weather updates and local authorities’ instructions.
