The deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Sri Lankan coast intensified into Cyclone Ditwah on Thursday (November 27), the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Meteorologists warned the system will continue to strengthen as it moves northwestwards.

Cyclone Ditwah’s predicted path

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, said the cyclone is expected to move northwest across the southwest Bay and the Sri Lankan coastline, approaching north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and south Andhra Pradesh by Saturday (November 29).

The name Ditwah was contributed by Yemen in the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and UN-ESCAP list of tropical cyclone names.

Tamil Nadu: heavy-rain warning and coastal risk

The RMC reiterated a warning of heavy rainfall in south Tamil Nadu and delta districts on Thursday (November 27). Rainfall is expected to intensify across the state from Friday (November 28). Delta and adjoining districts may see heavy to very heavy showers, while northern Tamil Nadu districts can expect heavy rain by Saturday (November 29) as the cyclone moves along the coast.

Coastal districts should prepare for increasing winds and sea conditions as the system approaches the north Tamil Nadu coast.

Authorities have advised mariners not to venture into the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas until further updates. Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli may experience isolated light rainfall while the cyclone continues to organise over the ocean.

Kerala: Separate outlook and local alerts

Kerala will see a different pattern of impact. The state is likely to receive light to moderate rainfall over the next five days, with isolated heavy showers possible from Thursday (November 27) to Saturday (November 29).

The IMD has issued yellow alerts for specified districts on these dates:

Thursday (November 27): Thiruvananthapuram

Friday (November 28): Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki

Saturday (November 29): Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Wayanad

The IMD clarified that “heavy rain” is defined as 64.5 mm to 115.5 mm rainfall in 24 hours. District collectors may announce rain-related school holidays if conditions worsen.