1. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) scientists studied the rapid intensification of Cyclone Tauktae (2021) near India’s west coast.
  2. The study attributes intensification to intense atmospheric and land heating, marginally higher than the ocean, coupled with moist soil conditions.
  3. During the cyclone’s genesis, high sea surface temperatures, ocean heat potential, and humidity levels aided storm survival and strengthening.
  4. Atmospheric contributions (54%) slightly surpassed oceanic contributions (46%) in intensifying Tauktae and Mocha (2023), unlike other cyclones.
  5. Findings highlight rising trends in humidity, ocean heat, and SST in the last decade, guiding future coastal infrastructure and resilience policies.