Tropical Cyclone Bijli (01B) is gathering strength as it churns through thenorthern Bay of Bengal.The current position has the center of the storm 350-400 milessouth-southwest of Kolkata, India, and has been slowly movingnorth-northeastward over the past several hours. High pressure over northernIndia will gradually steer the system more to the northeast and east Friday andSaturday.
Water temperatures in Bijli's path are in the low 80s, and upper-level windshear remains light. These ingredients should allow Bijli to strengthen priorto landfall Saturday or Saturday night. There is a good possibility that windswill become sustained at hurricane strength (75 mph) at the time of landfall.
Outer rain bands are currently impacting eastern India, southern Bangladeshand western parts of Myanmar. Conditions will continue to deteriorate acrosssouthern Bangladesh and Myanmar as Bejli approaches. Landfall is likely nearthe border of Bangladesh and Myanmar late Saturday or Saturday night localtime.
In addition to the torrential rainfall, flooding and strong winds commonwith tropical cyclones, a dangerous storm surge is expected across westernMyanmar prior to and during landfall Saturday and Saturday night.
Story by AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Rob Miller
