Observational aspects of cyclonic storm ‘ASNA’ – a rare tropical cyclone over the Arabian Sea during peak southwest monsoon months

The Arabian Sea basin of the North Indian Ocean witnessed two and three Cyclonic Storms (CS) during the peak southwest monsoon months of July and August respectively, between 1891 and 2023.In 2024, a CS 'ASNA' formed over the Arabian Sea on 30 August.It is the first CS over the Arabian Sea during peak monsoon months (July-August) in the Indian meteorological satellite era.This preliminary study examines the movement of CS, starting from its formation as a lowpressure area over the North Bay of Bengal and associated rainfall.The capabilities of optical and microwave satellite sensors in centre and intensity determination of this CS have also been discussed.An assessment of real-time intensity estimates through the maximum sustained wind and centre positions from different techniques across the global agencies showed considerable differences among them.