Cyclone likely to form over Bay of Bengal? IMD shares update; warns of heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andamans

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said a low-pressure area formed over the Strait of Malacca and adjoining the South Andaman Sea on November 22, which is likely to intensify into a depression around November 24, 2025.

IMD issues heavy rainfall alert in

In the wake of a possible cyclone brewing over the Bay of Bengal, the IMD issued a heavy rainfall alert in some states and Union territories.

According to a press note released on Saturday, “Heavy rainfall likely over Andaman and Nicobar Islands during November 22nd - 27th with very heavy rainfall on 24th and 25th November.”

The IMD also said, “Heavy rainfall very likely over Tamil Nadu during 22nd -25th; over Kerala & Mahe during 22nd– 26th; over Lakshadweep on 22nd & 23rd; over Rayalaseema on 22nd November.”

In a weather bulletin, the IMD predicted "heavy to very heavy rainfall" over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on November 22 and 23, along with thunderstorms or with gusty winds of 40 to 50 kilometres.

The weather department said that on November 24-25, “the rainfall intensity will increase and very heavy rainfall warnings are issued.”

"Then again on [November] 26th and 27th, with the further northwestward movement of the system, the rainfall intensity will decrease, and a heavy rainfall warning is issued for Andaman and Nicobar Islands," the IMD said.

The IMD also predicted thunderstorms with lightning in parts of Tamil Nadu, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam and Rayalaseema between November 22 and 24; in Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep between November 22 and 26th; Coastal Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka on November 22 and over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with gusty wind speeds reaching 40-50 kmph during the week.

Travel plans may hinder

The development may influence travel conditions across several coastal and island destinations , especially the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are expecting a spell of very heavy rain on November 23 and 24.

For travellers currently in Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), and other popular island destinations, the IMD’s warning of isolated very heavy to heavy rainfall on November 23–24 is particularly important, the Times of India reported.

The islands may face localised flooding of roads, waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Adventure activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, , sea walks, and kayaking may be restricted during the peak rainfall phases. Beaches may experience higher-than-normal waves, making swimming unsafe.

Travellers booked on boat trips to destinations like Elephant Beach, Ross Island, and North Bay should stay updated with local marine advisories, as permissions for boat departures often depend on weather clearances.

Fisherman Warning:

Fishermen are advised not to venture into the following areas between November 22 and 27:

➢ Arabian Sea: Along and off Kerala coast, over Lakshadweep, Comorin areas during November 22 and 25.

➢ Bay of Bengal: Over Andaman Sea and southeast Bay of Bengal between November 22 and 27; some parts of southwest Bay of Bengal on November 22 , many parts of southwest Bay of Bengal on November 23 and 24, most parts of southwest Bay of Bengal on November 25 and over entire southwest Bay of Bengal on November 26; over southern parts of central Bay of Bengal on November 25 and 26; Over Gulf of Mannar between November 22 and 27.