Cyclone Senyar explained: Path, timeline, landfall, impact - What IMD’s latest forecast says

Puducherry

A weather system developing over the Bay of Bengal is steadily strengthening and is expected to evolve into cyclonic storm Senyar around November 26, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

As per the weather department, the system will bring heavy rain, rough seas and strong winds, especially over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as it intensifies over the next few days.

How the cyclone is developing

A low-pressure area that formed over the south Andaman Sea has now moved into the southeast Bay of Bengal. According to the IMD, this system will intensify gradually into a depression early next week. As it moves west-northwestward, it is expected to gain more strength and develop into Cyclonic Storm Senyar by November 26.

While the exact intensity level of the cyclone is yet to be determined, the met office has already warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall, between 105 mm and 204 mm in 24 hours, over parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from November 23 through November 26. The rainfall is expected to be the first clear sign of the system’s increasing strength.

When is the landfall window?

Meteorologists are still studying different weather models to determine the cyclone’s likely track after November 26. At this stage, the system is expected to continue moving across the Bay of Bengal through the weekend.

The IMD says it is too early to confirm whether the cyclone will make landfall on the Tamil Nadu–Andhra Pradesh coast or curve northward towards Odisha or Bangladesh. A clearer picture will emerge once the system reaches cyclonic storm strength. For now, officials are urging residents along the east coast to monitor regular updates.

Where will the biggest impact be felt?

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands will face the earliest and strongest impact from the system. Rainfall is set to increase across the islands. The Nicobar region is forecast to receive heavy to very heavy rain on November 24 and 25 as the system passes close by.

Wind speeds are expected to reach 35-45 kmph with gusts up to 55 kmph through the weekend. On November 25, winds may strengthen further to around 65 kmph as the system deepens.

Why is the cyclone named ‘Senyar’?

The name “Senyar” means lion and was suggested by the United Arab Emirates. It comes from a pre-approved list of cyclone names maintained by member countries under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the UN ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones. As per the current naming sequence, this is the next name allocated for a storm forming in the North Indian Ocean.

Precautions and warnings

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Andaman Sea and the southwest Bay of Bengal until November 25 because of strong winds and rough sea conditions. The IMD has also extended this advisory for the southeast Bay of Bengal until November 28.

Local authorities in the islands are monitoring the situation closely, especially in low-lying areas. Residents have been urged to follow daily weather bulletins for updates on sea conditions, wind speeds and rainfall.