A deep depression forming over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the Sri Lankan coast intensified further on Thursday, with meteorologists confirming it will strengthen into a cyclonic storm by evening. Once intensified, the system will be named Cyclone Ditwah, a name provided by Yemen on the WMO-UN ESCAP naming list.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), the system will track northwestwards across the Bay, moving towards north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh by Saturday.
The RMC has maintained its warning of heavy rainfall across south Tamil Nadu and the delta districts on Thursday, followed by a sharp surge in statewide rainfall from Friday. Delta and nearby regions are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rain on Friday, while northern districts of Tamil Nadu may witness intense showers on Saturday as the system travels up the coast.
After prolonged heavy rain in the southern belt earlier this week, precipitation eased on Wednesday, with only isolated light showers reported. Thangachimadam in Ramanathapuram recorded the highest rainfall of 3 cm, while Oothu in Tirunelveli, recently hit by widespread floodin,g received 1 cm.
In anticipation of further intensification, storm warning signals have been issued at major ports including Chennai, Cuddalore, Ennore, Thoothukudi, Nagapattinam, and Karaikal. Fishermen have been advised to avoid the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas until conditions improve.
The forecast also indicates isolated light rain over Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli as the deep depression continues to organise over the sea.
Meanwhile, Cyclone Senyar, currently positioned near northeast Indonesia and the Strait of Malacca, is expected to drift eastwards and is not expected to impact Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s weather, according to RMC officials.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]

Deep depression intensifies into Cyclone Ditwah, triggering heavy rain alerts across TN

Cyclone Ditwah to Bring Heavy Rain to Tamil Nadu

Deep depression intensifies into Cyclone Ditwah, triggering heavy rain alerts across TN

November 27, 2025 | 16:24 IST