Meteorological history[edit]

Map plotting the track and the intensity of the storm, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale

During 13 May 2020, an area of low pressure developed over the Southeastern Bay of Bengal about 1020 km
(635 mi) to the southeast of Visakhapatnam in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.[6][7] The area of low pressure
was located within a favorable environment
Most intense North Indian cyclones
for further development with good equator-
ward outflow, exceptionally warm sea
surface temperatures between 32 and 34 °C Rank Cyclone Year Min. pressure
recorded in the basin, and low vertical wind
shear.[7] Over the next couple of days, the 199
system became more marked as it gradually 1 1999 Odisha 912 hPa (26.93 inHg)
consolidated further, with bands of 9
deep atmospheric convection wrapping into
the system's low-level center.[8][9] During 16 198
May, the India Meteorological 2 BOB 01 914 hPa (26.99 inHg)
2
Department (IMD) reported that the area of
low pressure had developed into a
depression and designated it as BOB 01 199
3 1991 Bangladesh 918 hPa (27.11 inHg)
while it was located about 1,100 km (685 mi) 1
to the south of Paradip in the Indian state of
Odisha.[10] 196
Three 920 hPa (27.17 inHg)
Moving northwards, the depression 3
continually organised and became a cyclonic
storm a few hours later, receiving the 199
name Amphan. Intensification was 1990 Andhra Pradesh 920 hPa (27.17 inHg)
0
temporarily impeded as moderate easterly
wind shear disrupted the system's cloud 4
pattern.[11] On 17 May, conditions for 200
significant intensification became more Gonu 920 hPa (27.17 inHg)
7
conducive as upper-level winds improved. As
a result, Amphan underwent rapid
intensification into a severe cyclonic storm, 202
Amphan 920 hPa (27.17 inHg)
with the JTWC assessing an increase in 0
winds from 140 km/h (85 mph) at 12:00 UTC
to 215 km/h (135 mph), the equivalent to a 201
Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir–Simpson 5 Kyarr 922 hPa (27.23 inHg)
9
scale (SSHWS), just six hours later.
[12]
 Furthermore, the IMD upgraded Amphan
to an extremely severe cyclonic storm on 198
6 Gay 930 hPa (27.46 inHg)
their cyclone intensity scale.[13] The broad 9
storm was characterized by a cloud shield
extending more than 1,110 km (690 mi) and
200
a sharply-outlined 10 nautical mile-wide eye. 2001 India 932 hPa (27.52 inHg)
[14] 1
7
201
Fani 932 hPa (27.52 inHg)
9

Satellite animation of Amphan rapidly intensifying on 17 May.

Early on 18 May, microwave imagery depicted two distinct concentric eyewalls, a telltale sign of an eyewall
replacement cycle that is typical for very intense cyclones.[15] Through the day, the effects of wind shear and dry
air hampered this internal core change, causing the eyewall to erode by late on 18 May.[16][user-generated source?] Around
5:30 p.m. IST (12:00 UTC), Amphan made landfall as a Very Severe Cyclonic storm near Bakkhali, West
Bengal with winds of 155 km/h (95 mph).[17] As it moved further inland, Amphan rapidly weakened. Just six hours
after landfall, the JTWC downgraded the storm to a Category 1-equivalent cyclone and issued its final warning on
the system, as it became disorganized.[18] On 21 May, Amphan degenerated into a well-marked low pressure
area.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclone_Amphan