Annual November Menace: What Causes Cyclones in Bay of Bengal?

Come November and we start hearing news about potential cyclones in Bay of Bengal. Why is this region so prone to these dangerous weather phenomena?

The areas along the coast of Bay of Bengal experience two cyclone seasons: before the onset and after withdrawal of Southwest monsoon.

In November there is a rise in ocean heating after the rains have ceased, and this leads to increasing water surface temperatures.

Bay of Bengal is landlocked from 3 sides which makes it more hospitable for storms to gain force. Moreover there is a constant inflow from perennial rivers like Brahmaputra, Ganga and Mahanadi.

This further hinders the mixing of lighter fresh and salty oceanic waters. As a result, there is a lot of moisture and vapor in the area. Along with sluggish winds, these are perfect ingredients for a cyclone.

Cyclone Sitrang was the first tropical cyclone of the post-monsoon season and caused loss of lives and widespread damage in neighboring Bangladesh.

Scientists say that climate change would alter the pattern of cyclones in the area making them more severe and aiding their rapid intensification.