Cyclone Shakhti, the first major cyclonic storm to form in the Arabian Sea after the monsoon season, is now expected to lose strength from Monday, October 6. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that the system would gradually weaken and start curving towards the east, reducing the threat of heavy rainfall over Mumbai and nearby coastal regions.
The IMD, in its latest forecast, mentioned that Cyclone Shakhti, which developed over the east-central Arabian Sea earlier this week, had intensified with wind speeds reaching around 100 kilometres per hour, gusting even higher in some parts on Saturday. The storm continued to move west-southwestwards, and by Sunday evening, it was projected to reach the northwest and adjoining west-central Arabian Sea.
While an earlier alert had put Mumbai and parts of Maharashtra under the scanner for heavy to very heavy rain, the IMD revised its warning on Sunday. The department clarified that Mumbai is unlikely to receive heavy or moderate rain in the coming days. Instead, the city may experience light, scattered showers or mild drizzles between October 6 and October 8. 
An IMD bulletin released on Saturday said, “The rainfall activity over Mumbai and adjoining areas is expected to remain light and patchy. No significant weather warnings are in place for the next five days.”
However, the cyclone’s outer impact is expected to be felt in other regions of Maharashtra. Interior parts such as Marathwada and East Vidarbha could receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, the IMD said. Low-lying areas in North Konkan have also been placed under watch for possible waterlogging or minor flooding if the rain intensifies.
