Cyclone ‘Senyar’ Expected to Form Over Bay of Bengal; IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alerts for Multiple States

A low-pressure system developing over the Strait of Malacca and the South Andaman Sea is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm named ‘Senyar’ around November 26, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The name ‘Senyar’, meaning lion, was proposed by the United Arab Emirates, one of the 13 nations involved in naming cyclones in the North Indian Ocean.

The system is currently under close observation by the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC), New Delhi, which is operated by the IMD and functions under the WMO–ESCAP framework.

The Bay of Bengal, known for generating severe cyclones during the post-monsoon season, has already witnessed one significant system this year—Cyclone Montha, which hit late in October, causing two deaths and damaging 80,000 hectares of crops.

⛈️ Landfall Prediction: Still Uncertain, Say Meteorologists

Experts say it is too early to pinpoint the exact path or landfall location of the potential cyclone.
Possible scenarios include:

• A westward track toward Tamil Nadu–Andhra Pradesh
• A northward curve toward Odisha or Bangladesh
• A northeastward drift impacting coastal Bengal

A more accurate forecast is expected once the system strengthens into a cyclonic storm.

Meanwhile, authorities have urged residents across India’s east coast to remain alert and follow IMD advisories closely.

🌧️ Heavy Rainfall Expected in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the first regions to feel the system’s impact, with heavy showers already forecasted.

Rainfall Predictions

• Heavy to Very Heavy Rain (105–204 mm/24 hours):
  November 24 & 25 – Mainly over the Nicobar Islands
• Wind Speeds:
  Increasing from 35–45 km/hr to 55 km/hr, peaking at 65 km/hr by November 25
• Rainfall to persist through November 28

🌧️ States Likely to Receive Heavy Rainfall (IMD Forecast)

The IMD has issued alerts for multiple regions:

Between Nov 23–28

• Andaman & Nicobar Islands — Heavy to very heavy rain

Between Nov 23–25

• Tamil Nadu
• Kerala & Mahe

On Nov 23–24

• Lakshadweep
• Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam

On Nov 23

• Rayalaseema

Tamil Nadu and Kerala may experience very heavy rainfall on Nov 23 & 24.

🌧️ Chennai Weather Update: Schools Shut in Several Districts

With persistent rains continuing to lash Tamil Nadu, several districts have declared school holidays for safety.

The IMD has predicted:

• Light to moderate rainfall across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal
• Thunderstorms & lightning in isolated areas

Heavy Rain Likely in:

Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Pudukkottai,
Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and the Karaikal region.