Published: 2 October 2025IMD/PIBEnvironment
Cyclone Shakhti Forms in Arabian Sea — First Named Storm of 2025
Cyclone Shakhti became the first named tropical storm of 2025 in the Arabian Sea, prompting coastal warnings across the Maharashtra and Gujarat coastlines.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the depression in the Arabian Sea intensified into a named cyclonic storm — Cyclone Shakhti — on October 3, 2025. By October 4, it had intensified further into a severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds of 90-100 km/h gusting to 110 km/h.
IMD bulletins warned of rough sea conditions and squally weather along and off the affected Arabian Sea coasts, including Saurashtra and Kutch, and advised fishermen not to venture into the sea.
Coastal Maharashtra experienced heavy rainfall and strong winds. IMD still classified Shakhti as a severe cyclonic storm early on October 6, 2025, and forecast it to weaken into a depression by the forenoon of October 7, 2025, as the system moved over open sea and lost strength due to dry air intrusion and reduced sea surface temperatures, without making landfall.
The Arabian Sea has historically seen fewer and weaker cyclones compared to the Bay of Bengal. However, climate change and rising sea surface temperatures have contributed to increasing cyclogenesis frequency and intensification rates in the Arabian Sea in recent years.
The name 'Shakhti' was contributed to the WMO regional cyclone naming list by Sri Lanka.
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Frequently asked questions
When did Cyclone Shakhti form and what type of storm did it become?
Cyclone Shakhti formed on October 3, 2025, as a cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea and intensified into a severe cyclonic storm by October 4, with wind speeds of 90–100 km/h.
Which coastal areas were on high alert during Cyclone Shakhti?
IMD bulletins warned of rough sea conditions and squally weather along and off affected Arabian Sea coasts; the checked official bulletins do not confirm the 5.5-metre wave-height detail.
Did Cyclone Shakhti make landfall?
No. Cyclone Shakhti weakened and dissipated over open sea without making landfall, classified as a severe cyclonic storm early on October 6 and forecast to weaken to a depression by October 7, 2025.
What does the name Shakhti mean and which country contributed it?
Shakhti means 'power' or 'strength' in Hindi and Sanskrit. Sri Lanka contributed the name to the WMO regional cyclone naming list.
Why is the Arabian Sea seeing more cyclones in recent years?
Climate change is causing rising sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea, which increases cyclogenesis frequency and rapid intensification rates, a trend not historically common in this basin.
