School Holidays: Cyclone ‘Senyar’ Expected to Form Over Bay of Bengal by November 26

A low-pressure system over the Strait of Malacca and the nearby South Andaman Sea is expected to strengthen into a cyclone over the Bay of Bengal around November 26. If it develops into a cyclonic storm, it will be named 'Senyar', which means lion. The name was suggested by the

United Arab Emirates, one of the 13 countries that provide cyclone names for the North Indian Ocean.

Cyclone Montha

Cyclones in this region are officially named by the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) in New Delhi, operated by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The Bay of Bengal often produces strong cyclones during September and October. Recently, Cyclone Montha in late October caused two deaths and damaged over 80,000 hectares of crops.

Landfall Still Uncertain

Meteorologists say it is too early to confirm the exact path of the upcoming system. It may influence the weather along coastal Bengal, but it is unclear whether it will move towards the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh coast or turn north towards Odisha or Bangladesh. A clearer picture will emerge once the system becomes a cyclone. Authorities have advised people on India's east coast to stay alert and follow IMD updates.

Rainfall and Wind Warnings

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands will be the first to experience effects from the system. Heavy rain is expected to continue until Tuesday. The Nicobar Islands may receive heavy to very heavy rain on November 24 and 25, with wind speeds of 35-45 km/hr, gusting up to 55 km/hr, and possibly rising to 65 km/hr by November 25.

The IMD has also warned of heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema from November 23 to 25. Tamil Nadu has already school holidays in several districts due to persistent rain. Light to moderate showers with thunderstorms are expected in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, along with isolated heavy rain in districts such as Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, and others.