Cyclone Senyar Forming in Indian Ocean: Understanding the UAE-Named Storm and Its Impact on Southern India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that a weather system developing over the Indian Ocean is showing potential to strengthen into a cyclonic storm. When it reaches cyclone status, it will be designated as Cyclone Senyar. The name "Senyar," which translates to "lion," was proposed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of the established naming convention for cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region.

Meteorological experts have been vigilantly tracking a low-pressure area located over the Strait of Malacca, which connects the Andaman Sea to the South China Sea. This weather system is also affecting neighboring areas of the Bay of Bengal and South Sri Lanka, and has been demonstrating consistent signs of intensification.

The IMD, functioning as the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) for this area, predicts that the disturbance could develop into a full cyclonic storm by November 26. Updates from the IMD have indicated escalating wind velocities and environmental conditions conducive to further development.

A weather system receives its official designation only after sustaining wind speeds exceeding 34 knots (62 kmph) for three minutes. Should this criterion be met, the storm will be formally named Cyclone Senyar.

The low-pressure system over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjacent regions of South Sri Lanka and Equatorial Indian Ocean remained in the same location as of the latest report from the India Meteorological Department.

The naming protocol for tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean is administered by a collaborative panel under the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones, comprising 13 member countries including the UAE.

Each participating nation contributes a list of names. These names are selected to be politically, religiously, and culturally neutral, while also being concise, easy to pronounce, and generally limited to eight characters or fewer.

Names are allocated sequentially in a predetermined order, regardless of the timing or location of cyclone formation within the basin.

Once a name has been used, it is permanently retired from that list. This ensures each cyclone receives a unique identifier, preventing name repetition.

"Senyar," contributed by the UAE, is the next name in sequence on the current list.

The weather disturbance over the Bay of Bengal and the deep depression near the Strait of Malacca have already begun to impact weather patterns across southern and southeastern India. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are experiencing regular heavy rainfall, while coastal and island territories in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh/Yanam, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep are preparing for extended periods of rain and strong winds.

Maritime conditions throughout the Andaman Sea, Strait of Malacca, and Bay of Bengal remain hazardous. Officials have issued clear warnings to fishing communities and coastal residents to avoid venturing into the waters until conditions improve.

The IMD has announced heavy rainfall alerts for several southern states between November 26 and December 1.

According to the most recent IMD bulletin:

Tamil Nadu can expect heavy rainfall between November 26 and 30

Kerala and Mahe should anticipate heavy rain on November 26

Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema are forecast to receive rainfall from November 29 to December 1

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are expected to experience heavy precipitation from November 26 to 29