New Delhi : A low-pressure system developing over the Bay of Bengal is showing signs of strengthening, with early indicators suggesting it could intensify into a cyclonic storm over the next few days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
“Under the influence of yesterday’s upper air cyclonic circulation over central parts of Strait of Malacca, a Low Pressure area formed over Strait of Malacca & adjoining South Andaman Sea at 0830 hours IST of today, the 22nd November 2025,” the IMD said.
CYCLONE ‘SENYAR’
If the system does intensify into a cyclonic storm, it will be named ‘Senyar’. The name, which means “lion”, was contributed by the United Arab Emirates under the rotating list of names used for the North Indian Ocean. As per IMD norms, a cyclone is formally named only when a deep depression strengthens into a cyclonic storm, not before. ‘Senyar’ is the next name in the current roster, and will be assigned once the system reaches that stage.
“It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression over southeast Bay of Bengal around 24th November 2025. Continuing to move west-northwestwards, it is very likely to intensify further over southwest Bay of Bengal during the subsequent 48 hours,” it added.
The IMD has also indicated the likely formation of a low-pressure area over Comorin, southwest Bay of Bengal and Sri Lanka around November 25, due to an upper-air cyclonic circulation observed on Friday morning.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Andaman Sea and southwest Bay of Bengal until November 25, due to strong winds and rough seas. The advisory for the southeast Bay of Bengal has been extended until November 28.
Local authorities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are closely monitoring the situation, especially in low-lying areas, urging residents to follow daily weather updates.
The islands are expected to face the earliest and strongest impact. Rainfall will increase sharply, with the Nicobar region likely to receive heavy to very heavy rain on November 24 and 25 as the system passes nearby.
Wind speeds of 35–45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, are expected through the weekend. On November 25, winds may strengthen further to around 65 kmph as the system deepens.
“Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Andaman & Nicobar Islands during 23rd – 28th. Heavy rainfall very likely over Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Mahe during 23rd -25th; Lakshadweep, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam during 23rd & 24th, Rayalaseema on 23rd with very heavy rainfall over Tamil Nadu, Kerala & Mahe on 23rd & 24th November,” the IMD said.
TAMIL NADU RAIN UPDATES
According to the IMD’s forecast for Tamil Nadu today, very heavy rainfall is expected in several districts as the Bay of Bengal system intensifies. The weather office has also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, along with squally winds that may affect coastal and interior regions.
Widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu has already prompted several districts to declare holidays for educational institutions. Schools are shut today in Ramanathapuram, Kallakurichi, Thoothukudi, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, Pudukottai and Trichy, while both schools and colleges are closed in Tenkasi and Tirunelveli. Schools have also declared holidays in Nagapattinam, Sivagangai and Virudhunagar districts.
