Model comparison for Cyclone Dana
(TWC Met Team)
Following a recent cyclone scare that resulted in a depression rather than a full-blown cyclonic storm, another well-marked low-pressure area over the East-Central Bay of Bengal has intensified. Currently centred at approximately 15.5° N latitude and 91.0° E longitude, this system lies about 700 km southeast of Paradip (Odisha), 750 km south-southeast of Sagar Island (West Bengal) and 730 km south-southeast of Khepupara (Bangladesh).
The likelihood of this system evolving into a cyclonic storm is high, and if it does, it will be named Cyclone Dana.
The naming of cyclones
The new list of names for the tropical cyclones over the North Indian Ocean
(IMD)
As anticipation builds, questions often arise: Who names these storms, and why do some names resonate while others fade into obscurity? According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the name “Dana,” meaning “generosity” in Arabic, was suggested by Qatar.
The WMO emphasises that naming tropical cyclones simplifies tracking and communication, particularly when multiple storms are active simultaneously. This practice reduces confusion among meteorologists, media outlets, emergency management agencies, and the public, while also aiding historical record-keeping and research on storm behaviour and impacts.
A brief history of cyclone naming
The tradition of naming hurricanes dates back to the early 19th century, initially based on the locations they impacted or significant dates. In the late 19th century, meteorologist Clement Wragge introduced names of saints and notable figures. However, this system remained arbitrary until the mid-20th century, when common female names were adopted for clarity. This approach faced criticism and was eventually replaced in 2000 by a more inclusive process, allowing countries to propose names based on local languages and cultures.
In 2004, the WMO established a list of names for cyclones in the North Indian Ocean, drawn from suggestions by regional countries, including India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
The process of naming cyclones
Globally, six Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMCs) and five Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs) exist. The India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) RSMC in New Delhi oversees the naming process for the North Indian Ocean basin, which includes 13 member countries. Cyclone naming is governed by key criteria, including political and cultural neutrality, ease of pronunciation, and a maximum length of eight letters.
The latest compilation, issued in 2020, features 169 names contributed by member countries, with each submitting 13 names. Once all names from a list are used, naming resumes from the next list. Cyclone Dana will follow previous storms like Nisarga, Gati, and Tauktae.
The process for selecting cyclone names is discussed at the annual or biennial meetings of the relevant tropical cyclone regional bodies. Factors influencing name selection include character length for ease of communication, pronunciation, cultural significance, and uniqueness, ensuring names are not reused in other regions.
Cyclone Dana’s projected impact
Cyclone Dana is forecasted to make landfall as a severe cyclonic storm on the northern coasts of Odisha and West Bengal between Puri and Sagar Island during the night of October 24 and the morning of October 25, with wind speeds of 100-110 km/h gusting to 120 km/h.
Accordingly, light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy rainfall may lash Odisha on October 23 and 26, Gangetic West Bengal on October 23 and Jharkhand on October 24. Extremely heavy rains may also Odisha on the 24-25.
As Cyclone Dana approaches, preparedness and awareness will be crucial in mitigating its effects on coastal communities.
**
For weather, science, space, and COVID-19 updates on the go, download The Weather Channel App (on Android and iOS store). It’s free!
