In 2025, on one hand, Cyclone Montha is active in the Bay of Bengal, while on the other hand, Hurricane Melissa is also active in the Atlantic Ocean. Both are powerful ocean storms, which are creating destructive conditions like strong winds, torrential rains and possible floods. When a storm of wind rises over an ocean and starts tearing the sky with its speed, the question arises that what is its strength? This is not just a matter of fear or guesswork, but its strength is determined scientifically.

Every storm has its own ‘class’, which tells whether it is going to bring light rain or submerge the entire city. Let us know how the strength of a storm is estimated.

How to measure the strength of a storm

Scientists around the world use two major scales to measure the strength of hurricanes, the first is the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which is mainly applicable to the Americas, the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. The second is the V-scale, which has been adopted in India, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea areas.

What is the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale?

This scale ranges from 1 to 5 depending on the maximum sustained wind speed of any storm. In Category 1, the wind speed is around 119 to 153 kilometers per hour, it can cause minor damage. In Category 2, winds reach 154 to 177 km/hour. In this, roofs can blow away, trees can break. From Category 3 (178–208 km/h) the damage becomes serious. Category 4 (209–251 km/h) and Category 5 (above 252 km/h) are the levels where everything turns into disaster. This scale not only gives an idea of ​​the speed of the wind but also its impact i.e. possible property damage.

Varicel used in India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) uses the varicella scale to measure the strength of storms. This scale is also divided into five categories – from V1 to V5. V1 represents the mildest storm, while V5 is the most dangerous. Storms in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea are measured on this scale. The idea behind this is that the marine conditions and climate in these areas are different from those of the western oceans, so a different parameter was necessary to suit local conditions.

How are data collected

Scientists estimate the center of the storm and its wind speed with the help of satellite images, weather buoys and aerial surveys. The data received from radar shows the direction and speed at which the winds are moving. This data decides in which category the storm will be placed.

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The month of October will be full of weather stir and seasonal activities this year, so that the feeling of pink winter will be felt before time. According to IMD, till October 15, the movement of clouds will continue in many parts of the country and some rain drops will keep the weather pleasant.

From October 4 to weekend, due to active Western Disturbance, there is a possibility of thunderstorms and thunderstorms in the upper parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. In some areas, there will be a sharp drop in temperature with hailstorm and snowfall.

Weather in eastern and South India

There is a possibility of light to moderate rains in the sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Chhattisgarh due to the cyclonic circulation and low pressure area being built in the Bay of Bengal. At the same time, a warning of rain has been issued in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Marathwada, Maharashtra and parts of Gujarat.

Alert for next 7 days in Bihar

The weather has taken a turn in Bihar. The Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that for the next 7 days, most districts of the state are expected to rain with strong winds and thunder-glow.

Patna, Buxar, Bhojpur, Saran, Sitamarhi, Shivhar, Banka, Jamui, Jehanabad, Sheikhpura, Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Arwal, Eastern Champaran, West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Nawada and Gaya. There is a warning of torrential rain in these districts.

Fear of heavy rains in these states

There is a possibility of heavy rains and lightning in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi-NCR on 5-6 October. The wind has been warned to stay up to 40-50 km/h. The rain will decrease from October 7, while the weather will be dry after 9 October.

Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal and Sikkim also have thunderstorms and medium to heavy rains on 5-6 October. Light rain may continue in some places after October 7.

Possibility of rain in South India too

Heavy rains are expected on 5-6 October in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat. After October 7, the rain will be reduced and the weather will be normal till 9 October.

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