Twin cyclone threat looms as weather systems intensify over Strait of Malacca and Bay of Bengal
text_fields
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a possible twin-cyclone formation as two active weather systems continue to strengthen over the Strait of Malacca and the southwest Bay of Bengal.
Southern states, especially coastal regions, are expected to face heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the coming days.
According to the IMD, the well-marked low-pressure area earlier identified over Malaysia and the adjoining Strait of Malacca has now intensified into a depression.
The system moved westwards and was located 90 km west of George Town in Malaysia, 720 km east-southeast of Nancowry in the Nicobar Islands, and 850 km east-southeast of Car Nicobar as of 11:30 a.m. on November 25.
In an update on X, the agency said, “It is very likely to intensify further and move nearly westwards during next 24 hours and then west-northwestwards during subsequent 24 hours.”
If this system develops into a cyclonic storm, it will be named Cyclone Senyar. The name follows the pre-approved naming list maintained by the WMO and the UN ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones.
Meanwhile, the IMD confirmed the expected formation of a second low-pressure area over the Comorin region.
At 11:30 a.m. on November 25, it was located over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas of South Sri Lanka and the Equatorial Indian Ocean. The IMD said, “It is very likely to move north-northwestwards and become well marked low pressure area during next 24 hours and intensify further into a depression during subsequent 24 hours.”
A depression must strengthen into a deep depression before being classified as a cyclonic storm. During this transition, affected regions often experience severe thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rain.
As the two systems intensify, the IMD has issued widespread rainfall warnings. Tamil Nadu is expected to receive heavy rain until November 27, followed by very heavy rain between November 28 and 30. Kerala and Mahe are likely to see heavy rainfall until November 26.
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands may experience very heavy rain from November 26 to 28, with wind speeds reaching 40-50 kmph over the next six days. Coastal Andhra Pradesh is likely to see thunderstorms and lightning on November 27 and 28, and very heavy rain on November 30.
The evolving weather pattern raises concerns of strong winds, intense showers, and potential storm formation across multiple regions in the coming days.