As the world grapples with the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, the Arabian Sea finds itself at the center of attention once again. Cyclone Biparjoy, a formidable force of nature, has taken shape, fueled by unusually warm sea surface temperatures
On June 6, Biparjoy emerged as a nascent cyclone. Its progress, however, was far from ordinary. The temperature of the Arabian Sea stood out, reaching an exceptional 2°C to 4°C above the climatological mean. Such warm waters acted as a catalyst, propelling Biparjoy’s rapid intensification twice during its lifetime.
Biparjoy was forecast to make landfall around 5:30 p.m. local time on June 15 as a “very severe cyclonic storm” with a sustained wind speed of 125 to 135 kilometers per hour, impacting India’s western state of Gujarat and the densely populated city of Karachi in Pakistan. In preparation for landfall, more than 30,000 people and 200,000 animals had reportedly been evacuated to higher ground.
Biparjoy’s Prolonged Existence is remarkable. Thriving on the warm waters of the Arabian Sea, this cyclone has surpassed expectations and has become the longest-lived cyclone in the region’s history. The temperature anomaly has played a pivotal role, allowing Biparjoy to sustain its strength for over eight days and counting, potentially surpassing the previous record set by Kyarr in 2019.
The changing landscape of cyclones in the Arabian Sea, once considered a rarity for cyclonic activity, is witnessing a shift. Researchers studying the region’s cyclones over the past four decades have discovered an alarming trend. More frequent cyclones, along with extended durations, are becoming the new normal. As ocean temperatures continue to rise, the link between these changes and the warming seas becomes increasingly evident.
Cyclone Biparjoy stands as a stark reminder of the power that lies within the world’s oceans. Fueled by warm waters, this cyclone has unleashed its fury upon the Arabian Sea, leaving behind a trail of destruction and reshaping our understanding of cyclonic behavior. As we face the realities of climate change, it is imperative that we recognize the role of rising sea surface temperatures in the evolving dynamics of cyclones, prompting us to take decisive action to safeguard our communities and planet.
