A new low-pressure system forming over the Bay of Bengal is showing strong signs of intensifying into a cyclone in the coming days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather system, currently located over the Strait of Malacca and the adjoining South Andaman Sea, is expected to strengthen steadily as it moves west-northwest.
In an update issued on Saturday, the IMD said the system emerged from an upper-air cyclonic circulation positioned over the central Strait of Malacca on Friday.
“It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal around November 24. Continuing on the same track, the system is expected to intensify further over the southwest Bay of Bengal during the following 48 hours,” the department noted.
Cyclone ‘Senyar’ Possible
If the system gathers strength and reaches cyclonic storm intensity, it will be named Cyclone Senyar—a name meaning “lion”, contributed by the United Arab Emirates for the North Indian Ocean cyclone naming list. As per IMD protocol, a name is assigned only once a deep depression officially strengthens into a cyclonic storm.
An additional weather system may also form around November 25 near Comorin, southwest Bay of Bengal, and Sri Lanka, due to another upper-air circulation observed on Friday morning.
Warnings for Fishermen and Coastal Regions
Fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture into the Andaman Sea and the southwest Bay of Bengal until November 25, owing to rough seas and strong winds. For the southeast Bay of Bengal, the warning is extended to November 28.
Local administrations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are on alert as the islands are expected to face the earliest and strongest impact. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over the Nicobar region on November 24 and 25, accompanied by wind speeds of 35–45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, which may intensify to 65 kmph on November 25.
Rainfall Forecast for South India
The IMD has issued extensive rainfall warnings across multiple southern states:
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Heavy to very heavy rainfall from November 23–28.
- Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Mahe: Heavy rain on November 23–25, with very heavy rain on November 23 and 24.
- Lakshadweep, Coastal Andhra & Yanam: Heavy rain on November 23 and 24.
- Rayalaseema: Heavy rainfall expected on November 23.
Tamil Nadu Declares School Holidays Amid Downpour
As widespread rain continues across Tamil Nadu, several districts have announced holidays for educational institutions. Schools are closed today in:
- Ramanathapuram
- Kallakurichi
- Thoothukudi
- Mayiladuthurai
- Thanjavur
- Pudukottai
- Trichy
Both schools and colleges have been shut in Tenkasi and Tirunelveli. School holidays have also been declared in Nagapattinam, Sivagangai, and Virudhunagar due to heavy rainfall.
Authorities urge residents in vulnerable areas to stay updated with daily IMD alerts as the system progresses toward possible cyclonic formation.
