LATEST EPISODE • TAKARO EXPLAINS • GEOGRAPHY
How does a cyclone actually form, and why does the same storm get called a cyclone, a hurricane and a typhoon in different parts of the world?
Cyclone Arnab tore through India's eastern coast as the strongest post-monsoon cyclone in the Bay of Bengal since 2014. Kiran explains how cyclones form, why the same storm is called a cyclone, a hurricane or a typhoon depending on where you are, and what made Arnab so powerful.
Dig Deeper
Is Cyclone Arnab's intensity a sign of climate change making storms stronger, or just a normal part of the North Indian Ocean's cyclone season?
Key Takeaways
IT STARTS WITH
The sea surface in the Bay of Bengal warms above 26-27 degrees Celsius
WHICH MEANS
Surrounding air rushes in, rises, and condenses into storm clouds that release heat and fuel the spin
AT THE SAME TIME
which causes warm moist air to rise and create a low-pressure area
WHICH MEANS
which strengthens the system into Cyclone Arnab, with winds recorded up to 222 km/h
AND THAT RESULTS IN
Arnab makes landfall in Andhra Pradesh, triggering mass evacuations and heavy rainfall before weakening over land
Look up your region's storm or flood warning system, and ask a parent or guardian what your family's plan would be if a severe storm warning was issued this week.
Where In The World
The eastern coast of India - Cyclone Arnab formed in the Bay of Bengal and made landfall in Andhra Pradesh, also affecting Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
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Explainers for Class
New this Week
QUIZ
Quiz of the Week
Questions on Cyclone Arnab, Explained.
WORD LIST
Words from the episode
Cyclone, Eye (of a storm), Storm surge.
ACTIVITY
Activity for the week
Look up your region's storm or flood warning system, and ask a parent or guardian what your family's plan would be if a severe storm warning was issued this week.
FOR EDUCATORS
Lesson plan
Discussion prompts and curriculum links
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