GUWAHATI: Districts of south Assam and several parts of the northeastern region are likely to be affected by cyclone Midhili, which will enter the northeastern region crossing the Bangladesh coast with a wind speed of 60-70 kmph, on Friday midnight, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said.IMD officials told TOI that heavy to very heavy along with extremely heavy rainfall will occur in parts of Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura on Friday.However, the rainfall will recede from "extremely heavy" to "heavy" on Saturday.Light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorms at isolated places will occur in the three districts of south Assam and east Meghalaya under the effect of cyclone Midhili on Saturday.

The Met office said several parts of Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and south Assam will be swept by gusty winds speeding up to 30 to 50 kmph, on Saturday.

Scientist at the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati, KN Mohan, said the cyclone formed due to the rise in temperature on the sea surface in the Bay of Bengal."The surface of the Bay of Bengal is normally warmer and has favourable conditions for the formation of cyclones.

Once the monsoon current withdraws during October-November every year, the surface becomes warmer than its normal range leading to the formation of cyclones.

Till the monsoon current exists, it does not allow the cyclones to form.

The sea surface is very warm, more than 25 degrees Centigrade at the moment," said Mohan.He added that Midhili will have no adverse impact on the region except heavy rain.

"The cyclone will result in very heavy rainfall for nearly six to eight hours in several parts of the region from Friday midnight," he said.

"It is likely to continue to move north-northeastwards and cross Bangladesh coast close to Khepupara with a wind speed of 60-70 kmph gusting to 80 kmph during the night of November 17, 2023," read the bulletin.