Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Thane was the strongest tropical cyclone of 2011 within the Bay of Bengal. Thane initially developed as a tropical disturbance within the monsoon trough to the west of Indonesia. Over the next couple of days the disturbance gradually developed further while moving towards the northwest, and was declared a Depression during December 25, before being named Cyclonic Storm Thane the next day. Thane started to turn towards the west under the influence of a subtropical ridge of high pressure before its development slowed during December 27, as a strong outflow and marginally favourable sea surface temperatures fought with persistent vertical wind shear. After its development had slowed during December 27, Thane became a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm during December 28, be