Cyclone Senyar Likely to Form in 48 Hours; Southern States Warned of Heavy Rain

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that a well-marked low-pressure area over Malaysia and the adjoining Strait of Malacca could intensify into a cyclonic storm over the south Bay of Bengal within the next 48 hours.

Currently moving west-northwest, the system is expected to strengthen into a depression over the south Andaman Sea within 24 hours. Early-morning satellite imagery shows intense to very intense convection over the south Andaman Sea, the Strait of Malacca, and nearby regions, with winds of 15–20 knots gusting up to 30 knots. Sea conditions remain moderate.

The IMD also noted that an upper-air cyclonic circulation over Comorin and nearby areas may generate a fresh low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal and Sri Lanka around November 25, which could intensify further in the coming days.

Cyclone ‘Senyar’

If the system reaches cyclonic storm strength, it will be named Senyar, meaning “lion,” contributed by the United Arab Emirates under the North Indian Ocean naming list. As per IMD norms, a system is formally named only once a deep depression strengthens into a cyclonic storm.

Heavy Rainfall Forecast

The IMD has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall across southern states in the coming days:

Tamil Nadu: Very heavy rain on November 24 and 28–30; heavy rain from November 25–27. Thunderstorms with lightning likely November 24–28.

Kerala & Mahe: Heavy rain from November 24–26; thunderstorms with lightning expected.

Lakshadweep: Heavy showers on November 24; thunderstorms with lightning likely.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Heavy rain on November 25 and 29; very heavy rain November 26–28. Thunderstorms with gusty winds of 40–50 kmph expected over six days.

Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam: Heavy rain on November 29; very heavy rain on November 30. Thunderstorms with lightning likely November 27–28.

Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to remain alert and follow official advisories as the system develops.