Cyclone Shakti, which had intensified in the Arabian Sea, is now expected to weaken significantly, bringing relief to Mumbai and the Maharashtra coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has revised its earlier warnings, predicting only light, scattered rainfall or drizzles for Mumbai until October 8.
Current Status and Forecast
As of October 5, 2025, Cyclone Shakti is located over the North-West region of the Arabian Sea and is moving West-South-Westwards. The storm, which packed winds reaching 100 kmph, is expected to recurve east-northeastwards from Monday morning, gradually losing intensity. The IMD has indicated that the cyclone will likely move west-southwestwards towards the northwest and adjoining west-central Arabian Sea by October 5, before changing direction.
Impact on Mumbai
Contrary to initial forecasts of heavy rainfall, Mumbai is now expected to experience only light rain or drizzles. This revised forecast extends until October 8, with gusty winds also expected to subside as the cyclone dissipates. While the city may experience some brief gusty winds, conditions are expected to gradually stabilize. The IMD's five-day forecast suggests sporadic light rainfall for Mumbai until October 8.
Maharashtra Alert
Despite the downgraded forecast for Mumbai, the northern Maharashtra coastline may still encounter gusty winds between 45–55 kmph, potentially reaching up to 65 kmph. Residents in these areas are advised to remain alert and adhere to safety precautions. Earlier, a high to moderate alert was issued for coastal Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg.
Fishermen Warning
Rough sea conditions are expected to persist, and fishermen are advised to avoid venturing into the sea until conditions improve. The weather office has specifically warned fishermen against going into the northwest Arabian Sea, adjoining areas of the northeast Arabian Sea, the central Arabian Sea, and along the coasts of Gujarat and north Maharashtra until Tuesday.
IMD's Warnings and Actions
The IMD had initially issued cyclone warnings for several districts of Maharashtra, anticipating wind speeds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, along the north Maharashtra coast between October 3 and 5. Disaster management systems were activated, and evacuation plans were prepared in vulnerable areas. However, as the cyclone moved away from the Indian coast, the state was spared from a major impact, and the forecast for Mumbai was downgraded.
Other Regions
While Mumbai and its surrounding areas are expected to experience reduced impact, other regions may still face adverse weather conditions. The IMD has also issued warnings for thunderstorms and lightning in certain locations of West Bengal. Additionally, heavy to very heavy rainfall has been predicted over parts of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Sikkim. Due to inclement weather forecasts, the Machail Mata pilgrimage in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, has been suspended for three days starting October 5.
In summary, Cyclone Shakti is expected to weaken as it moves further into the Arabian Sea, posing no direct threat to the west coast of India. Mumbai is likely to experience only light and scattered rainfall, while other parts of Maharashtra and surrounding states remain under alert for varying weather conditions.
