Depression Over Southwest Bay of Bengal Intensifies; Cyclone Ditwah May Form Soon
Chennai, November 27:
A developing weather system in the southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression, heightening the risk of heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough sea conditions across parts of South India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday.
According to the IMD, the “well-marked low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining regions of southeast Sri Lanka and the Equatorial Indian Ocean intensified into a depression at 11:30 p.m. on November 26.” The system remains nearly stationary but continues to gain strength gradually.
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| Depression Over Southwest Bay of Bengal Intensifies: Cyclone Ditwah Likely to Form Soon |
A deep depression brewing over the Southwest Bay of Bengal may intensify into Cyclone Ditwah. Coastal states on high alert as weather turns unpredictable.
Location and Movement
As of the latest update, the weather system is positioned approximately:
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170 km east of Hambantota, Sri Lanka
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210 km south-southeast of Batticaloa
The depression formed around the same period as Cyclone Senyar, which travelled across the Bay of Bengal earlier this week before moving towards northeast Indonesia and the Strait of Malacca.
The IMD expects the current system to track north-northwestward over the next several hours, remaining over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the Sri Lanka coast during this phase.
Possible Intensification Into Cyclone Ditwah
The weather system may further strengthen into a deep depression by Thursday afternoon. If wind speeds continue to increase as forecast, it will be officially named Cyclone Ditwah.
The name “Ditwah,” contributed by Yemen, refers to the Detwah Lagoon on Socotra Island, a protected coastal ecosystem known for its diverse marine life. Cyclone names in the region follow a pre-approved list maintained by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and UN ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones.
Impact on South India
If the system intensifies and shifts closer to the Indian coastline, the following regions may face significant weather activity:
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North Tamil Nadu
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Puducherry
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South Andhra Pradesh
Rainfall may range from moderate to heavy, accompanied by gusty winds and rough sea conditions, which could disrupt coastal activities.
Warnings and Advisory
The IMD has issued a strict advisory to fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea, citing unsafe marine conditions as the system strengthens.
Weather officials have urged residents of coastal areas to remain alert, follow official forecasts, and prepare for potential disruptions due to intense rainfall or strong winds.
Further bulletins will be released as the system evolves.
Cyclone Ditwah – FAQ
1. What is the depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal?
It is a low-pressure weather system formed due to warm sea surface temperatures and atmospheric changes. When the pressure drops further, it becomes a “depression,” capable of producing heavy rain and strong winds.
2. Why is it intensifying into a deep depression?
The sea surface temperature in the southwest Bay of Bengal is above 28°C, providing high energy. This strengthens the system, pushing it into a “deep depression” stage.
3. Will it become Cyclone Ditwah?
According to the IMD, the system may intensify further in the next 24–36 hours. If it reaches cyclonic storm intensity, it will be named Cyclone Ditwah, a name given by Yemen.
4. Which regions may be affected?
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North Tamil Nadu coast
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Puducherry
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South Andhra Pradesh coast
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Parts of Sri Lanka (North & East)
These regions may experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas.
5. What is the current wind speed?
The depression is currently producing winds of 45–55 kmph, likely to increase to 65–75 kmph if it becomes a cyclonic storm.
6. How much rainfall is expected?
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Heavy to very heavy rain along coastal Tamil Nadu
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Intense spells in Chennai, Chengalpattu, Villupuram & Delta districts
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Possible heavy rain in Puducherry and South Andhra Pradesh
7. What are the warnings for fishermen?
IMD has strictly advised fishermen not to venture into the sea for the next 48 hours due to rough sea conditions and high winds.
8. Will schools and colleges declare a holiday?
Holidays will depend on district administrations. If heavy rainfall persists, some districts may announce closures.
9. Is the system likely to make landfall?
IMD says the depression will move north-northwest. Only after further intensification will its landfall path become clearer.
10. Why is it named “Ditwah”?
“Ditwah” is a name given by Yemen, referring to the Detwah Lagoon in Socotra Island, symbolizing its coastal and marine heritage.
11. Is this related to Cyclone Senyar?
Both systems formed around the same time but follow different paths. Cyclone Senyar moved toward Indonesia, while this depression remains in the Bay of Bengal.
12. Should the public be worried?
There is no need for panic. Authorities advise staying updated with IMD bulletins, avoiding sea travel, and preparing for heavy rain.