IMD Issues Cyclone Ditwah Alert Over Bay of Bengal

Cyclone Ditwah Likely to Form Over Bay of Bengal; Southern States on Alert

A rapidly deepening weather system over the southwest Bay of Bengal is on course to intensify into Cyclone Ditwah , prompting precautionary alerts across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and parts of south Andhra Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that the depression, positioned close to the Sri Lankan coastline, is strengthening quickly as convection builds across the region.

Rapid Intensification Close to Sri Lanka

IMD observations show the deep depression moving at approximately 17 kmph, exhibiting organised cloud structure and accelerating wind circulation — signals typically preceding cyclonic formation. If intensification continues as expected, the system will officially be named Cyclone Ditwah , a name contributed by Yemen under the regional naming protocol.

Predicted Track and Land Impact

Forecast models indicate a north-northwestward movement, carrying the system across the southwest Bay of Bengal and along Sri Lanka’s coast before curving towards the North Tamil Nadu–Puducherry–South Andhra Pradesh belt . Given this likely trajectory, meteorologists anticipate heavy rainbands, gusty winds and turbulent sea conditions along the coastline in the next 48 hours.

Weather Warnings and Precautions

Authorities have urged fishermen to suspend deep-sea operations due to expected rough waves and squally winds. District administrations are preparing for waterlogging, storm-surge-like conditions and intermittent transport disruption, especially in low-lying coastal areas.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Cyclone name “Ditwah” is proposed by Yemen.

• System located near 6.7°N, 82.1°E during intensification.

• IMD expects storm formation within hours from deep depression stage.

• Alerts issued for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, South Andhra Pradesh .