IMD warns of heavy rain across southern states as Cyclone Senyar likely to form in 48 hours

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

The system is moving west-northwest and is likely to strengthen first into a depression before developing further as it travels across the Andaman Sea.

With the system intensifying, the IMD has forecast widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall across several southern and coastal states over the coming days.

Heavy rainfall forecast

Tamil Nadu is expected to see heavy rain between November 25 and 27, along with another intense spell from November 28 to 30. Kerala and Mahe are likely to receive heavy showers from November 24 to 26, while Lakshadweep may see strong rainfall on November 24.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are bracing for heavy rain on November 25 and 29, followed by very heavy rainfall between November 26 and 28. Along the east coast, coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are expected to witness heavy rain on November 29, which may intensify further on November 30.

Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph are also forecast across parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mahe, Lakshadweep, Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the coming days. The IMD has cautioned that these conditions could trigger waterlogging, localised flooding, and disruptions to transport and routine activities in vulnerable areas.

If the system does evolve into a cyclonic storm as expected, it will be named ‘Senyar’, a word meaning “lion," contributed by the UAE under the rotating list of names used for North Indian Ocean cyclones. With strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential coastal impacts expected across several states, authorities and residents have been advised to stay alert and follow updates as the system develops.