New Cyclonic Threat Emerges Over Bay of Bengal
A developing weather system over the Strait of Malacca and adjacent South Andaman Sea is rapidly intensifying and expected to transform into a full-fledged cyclone around November 26. The impending cyclonic storm, if officially named, will be called 'Senyar' - meaning 'lion' - a designation contributed by the United Arab Emirates.
Naming Protocol and Meteorological Supervision
The process of naming cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region follows a structured international protocol. The Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) in New Delhi, operated by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), oversees this system under the guidance of both the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Thirteen member countries participate in suggesting names for cyclones in this region.
Uncertain Path: Where Will Senyar Make Landfall?
Meteorological experts emphasize that predicting the exact trajectory of the developing cyclone remains challenging at this early stage. The disturbance could potentially affect weather patterns along coastal Bengal, but uncertainty persists regarding whether it will direct its path toward the Tamil Nadu–Andhra Pradesh coastline or curve northward toward Odisha or Bangladesh.
Weather officials anticipate obtaining clearer assessment data once the system gains strength and officially becomes a cyclonic storm. Meanwhile, authorities have issued urgent advisories urging residents along India's entire eastern coastline to maintain high alertness and strictly follow official weather updates and safety instructions.
Immediate Impact: Heavy Rainfall Warning for Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The India Meteorological Department has already activated severe weather warnings, predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall (105–204 mm within 24 hours) for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These precipitation events are expected to continue through Tuesday, marking the first significant impact of the developing weather system.
Rainfall intensity across both island groups is forecast to escalate steadily throughout the weekend. The Nicobar Islands specifically face the highest risk of heavy to very heavy precipitation on November 24 and 25 as the weather system passes in proximity.
Wind conditions are projected to intensify from current speeds of 35–45 km/hr with gusts reaching 55 km/hr through Sunday, strengthening to approximately 65 km/hr by November 25.
Extended Rainfall Forecast for Southern States
According to the IMD's detailed weather bulletin: "Heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated over Andaman & Nicobar Islands during November 23–28. Heavy rainfall very likely over Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Mahe during November 23–25; Lakshadweep, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam during November 23 & 24, Rayalaseema on November 23, with very heavy rainfall over Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Mahe on November 23 & 24."
Tamil Nadu Responds to Weather Emergency
The Tamil Nadu government has proactively announced school closures in multiple districts responding to persistent heavy rainfall conditions. The IMD's latest press release indicates that light to moderate rain is expected across numerous locations in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms and lightning events.
The weather department specifically identified districts expecting heavy rainfall: "Heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai districts and Karaikal area."
Historical Context: Bay of Bengal's Cyclonic Pattern
The Bay of Bengal has earned recognition for generating powerful cyclonic systems, particularly during September and October months. This developing situation follows recent cyclone Montha, which struck in late October causing two fatalities and damaging over 80,000 hectares of agricultural crops.
As Cyclone Senyar continues to develop, meteorological departments across affected regions maintain continuous monitoring, with regular updates expected as the situation evolves.
