A powerful weather system fueled by Cyclonic Storm "Ditwah" and the remnants of Cyclone "Senyar" is creating widespread disruption across India, particularly affecting southern and coastal regions. The India Meteorological Department has issued critical alerts as these systems converge over the Bay of Bengal.
Storm Trajectory and Intensification
According to the latest IMD bulletin released at 21:54 IST on November 27, Cyclone Ditwah has strengthened from a deep depression and is currently positioned over coastal Sri Lanka and adjacent southwest Bay of Bengal. The system is tracking in a north-northwest direction and is expected to approach the North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh coasts by the early morning of November 30.
Meanwhile, the remnants of Cyclone Senyar have weakened into a low-pressure area over the Strait of Malacca. However, its lingering influence combined with Ditwah's intensification is contributing to highly unstable atmospheric conditions over the Bay of Bengal and surrounding regions.
Southern States Face Extreme Rainfall Threat
Tamil Nadu is experiencing the most severe weather conditions with heavy to very heavy rainfall already affecting multiple districts. The IMD has issued warnings for isolated extremely heavy downpours on November 28 and 29, particularly in areas already dealing with waterlogging and saturated soil conditions.
Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra Pradesh are also on high alert, with extremely heavy rainfall expected on November 30 as the system moves closer to the coastline. Kerala, Mahe, Telangana, and parts of Karnataka are forecast to receive significant rainfall, though the intensity in these regions will likely be more localized.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring rainfall patterns due to increased risks of flash floods and urban inundation. As of November 28, a low to moderate flash flood risk has been identified for several districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, including Kanyakumari, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, and Tuticorin.
Thunderstorms and Regional Weather Patterns
Thunderstorm activity is expected to persist across Tamil Nadu and Coastal Andhra Pradesh until December 1. Kerala and Mahe will experience similar conditions until November 29. The IMD has specifically cautioned that lightning strikes pose significant risks during this period, especially in coastal and low-lying regions.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are facing their own weather challenges with thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph on November 28 and 29.
Contrasting Weather in Northern India
While southern India battles cyclonic conditions, northern states are experiencing entirely different weather patterns. Northwest India will see a gradual rise in minimum temperatures by 2-3 degrees Celsius over the next two days, followed by a temperature drop afterward.
Dense fog is expected in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh and the Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi region from November 28 to 30. East Rajasthan will witness dense fog between November 30 and December 1, while Punjab faces cold wave conditions on November 28 and 29. Rajasthan will experience another cold wave on December 3 and 4.
Marine Dangers and Fishermen Warnings
Sea conditions remain extremely dangerous along both east and west coasts due to Cyclone Ditwah's intensification. Gale-force winds in the southwest Bay of Bengal are forecast to increase from 70-80 kmph to 90 kmph on the morning of November 28. By November 29, wind speeds may escalate to 80-90 kmph with gusts reaching 100 kmph near the Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka coasts, continuing through November 30.
The IMD has issued strict warnings to fishermen, suspending all fishing operations along the Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh coasts until December 1. Fishermen are strongly advised to avoid the southwest Bay of Bengal until December 1 and the southeast Arabian Sea until November 30. Those already at sea have been urged to return to the nearest coast or navigate away from affected waters.
Major City Impacts and Preparedness
Chennai experienced mostly cloudy conditions on November 28 with high humidity and steady winds. Heavy rain bands associated with Cyclone Ditwah are expected to intensify over the city, raising concerns about waterlogging in vulnerable zones.
Visakhapatnam, currently enjoying clearer skies and calmer conditions, is preparing for stronger winds and potential rainfall spikes as the system approaches the Andhra Pradesh coastline.
Thiruvananthapuram reported cloudy skies with high rain probability, typical ahead of a deepening system in the Bay of Bengal. Bangalore began the day cool and mostly cloudy but will likely see increased rainfall from November 29.
Hyderabad remains largely dry currently, but the city may experience rainfall as moisture-laden winds move inland.
Authorities across affected states are preparing for potential disruptions including flooding, traffic delays, power outages, and landslides in hilly regions. With extremely heavy rainfall expected in several areas, residents are advised to follow official advisories, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay informed about real-time weather updates.
