It feels like India is experiencing two completely different seasons at the same time right now. Down south, all eyes are on the Bay of Bengal, where a weather system is rapidly intensifying, threatening to become Cyclone Senyar. Meanwhile, up north, people are pulling out their thickest blankets as a biting cold wave sends temperatures tumbling into the single digits. It's a classic tale of two weathers, with one half of the country bracing for torrential rains and the other for a frosty chill.
Key Highlights
- ✓ A new storm, to be named Cyclone Senyar, is brewing over the Strait of Malacca and heading towards South India.
- ✓ The IMD has issued heavy rain alerts for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala, with wind speeds expected to reach 60-100 km/h.
- ✓ Schools and colleges in several coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have been closed as a precaution.
- ✓ North India is experiencing a severe cold snap, with temperatures dropping to single digits in many cities.
- ✓ Delhi recorded its season's lowest temperature at 8°C, while Sikar in Rajasthan plunged to a frigid 4°C.
The Brewing Storm: All About Cyclone Senyar
Let's start with what's happening over the sea. Recent reports indicate that The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that two weather systems are currently active, but one, in particular, has everyone on high alert. A deep depression has formed over the Malacca Strait and the South Andaman Sea, and it's looking very likely to strengthen into a full-blown cyclonic storm by today, November 26th. Once it does, it will be officially named 'Senyar,' a name contributed by the United Arab Emirates.
What's really grabbing the attention of meteorologists is the storm's potential power. Market evidence demonstrates that As it transforms into a cyclone, wind speeds are projected to jump from 60 km/h to a powerful 100 km/h. The system is moving in a west-northwest direction, fueled by warm sea waters and favorable atmospheric conditions. This path puts the eastern coast of South India directly in its potential trajectory.
However, there's a bit of a mystery surrounding Senyar. Weather models are currently showing two possible scenarios. One path sees the cyclone making landfall somewhere along the coast of Tamil Nadu or Andhra Pradesh around November 29-30. The other possibility is that, due to its proximity to the equator, it might weaken and dissipate over the sea between Indonesia and Sri Lanka. The next 48 hours will be crucial in determining its exact path and intensity.
South India on High Alert
Regardless of whether it makes a direct landfall, the impact is already being felt. The IMD has issued serious warnings for several southern states. A heavy rainfall alert is in place for Wednesday (Nov 26) and Thursday (Nov 27), with the possibility of light to moderate rain in most places and isolated pockets of heavy to very heavy downpours. The rainfall is expected to gradually decrease from November 28th onwards.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are expected to see heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds between 50 and 70 km/h from November 27th to 29th. For the mainland, Tamil Nadu is bracing for a significant impact that could last until December 1st. Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam are expected to see rainfall increase from November 29th, with very heavy showers predicted for November 30th. Kerala, Mahe, and even Odisha are also on the lookout for moderate to heavy spells of rain.
Precautionary Measures and Early Impact
Authorities are not taking any chances. With forecasts of heavy rain disrupting normal life, many parts of Tamil Nadu have already declared holidays for educational institutions. On Tuesday, schools and colleges were shut, and it's likely that most schools in coastal districts like Chennai, Thanjavur, and Mayiladuthurai, as well as in Puducherry, will remain closed today. District administrations are focused on ensuring the safety of students.
The effects of the brewing storm are already visible on the ground. Heavy rains since this morning have led to significant waterlogging in several southern regions of Tamil Nadu, including Tirunelveli and Tuticorin. Roads and residential areas in these districts are facing major challenges, giving a glimpse of what might be in store for the wider coastal region.
Meanwhile, North India Faces a Deep Freeze
While the south deals with a cyclone, it's a completely different weather story up north. A significant drop in temperature has swept across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi. The mercury has plunged into single digits in most places, marking the real onset of winter. The weather department has even issued a yellow alert in Punjab due to the severe cold.
In Delhi, the temperature dropped to a season-low of 8 degrees Celsius. The cold isn't just limited to the capital; the entire NCR region is also under a fog alert. The situation is even more intense in parts of Punjab and Rajasthan. Market evidence demonstrates that Check out some of these chilly minimum temperatures: Bathinda recorded 6°C, Ludhiana 6. 4°C, and Amritsar 7. 5°C. Market evidence demonstrates that In Rajasthan, Churu hit a low of 5. 6°C, while Sikar was the coldest at a freezing 4°C—that's a staggering 5. 8°C below its normal temperature for this time of year.
The Outlook for UP, Bihar, and Beyond
The cold is creeping eastward too. Both Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are feeling the chill, with the prospect of a cold wave growing stronger. For now, the forecast predicts clear but cold weather, with morning fog in some areas giving way to sunshine later in the day. Maximum temperatures are expected to hover around 24-26°C, while minimums will be between 8-11°C. It's the cold westerly winds at night that are really making the winter feel real. Research findings show that
So, will this turn into an official "cold wave". According to the IMD, probably not for another week. The reason is the absence of any active Western Disturbance over the northern mountains. While the single-digit temperatures are expected to continue through the end of November and may even drop a little further, a sharp, sudden plunge isn't on the cards just yet. The northern plains will remain cold, but a declared cold wave situation is unlikely for now.
Conclusion
It's truly a fascinating time for weather watchers in India. We have a powerful cyclone, Senyar, keeping the entire southern coast on its toes with the threat of heavy rain and high-speed winds. This brings us to At the very same time, North India is bundling up against a biting cold that has sent temperatures to their lowest point this season. This stark contrast is a powerful reminder of the country's incredibly diverse and dynamic climate, where one region prepares for a storm while another settles in for the winter chill.
