IMD Red Alert: How Dangerous Is Cyclone Ditwah for South India?

The Bay of Bengal is in turmoil. First, Cyclone Senyar, and now Cyclone Ditwah. This storm wreaked havoc in Sri Lanka over the past 24 to 48 hours. Now, it is moving towards India and is expected to make landfall around 8 am today. Heavy rain alerts have been issued for five states in South India. The most affected states are Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Heavy rain is also expected in Kerala, Karnataka, Puducherry, and Telangana.

The Meteorological Department has issued red and orange alerts anticipating heavy rain. Meanwhile, winter has begun to intensify in North India, with minimum temperatures dropping below 10 degrees Celsius in many states. According to the latest Meteorological Department report, temperatures in northwest India are expected to drop by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. However, temperatures are expected to rise in parts of Central India (Madhya Pradesh, eastern Rajasthan, western Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh), where a cold wave is prevailing.

When will Cyclone Ditwah reach India?

Cyclone Ditwah is moving northward at a speed of 7 kilometers per hour. It is currently over the Sri Lankan coast and the adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, 330 km southeast of Puducherry and 430 km south of Chennai. It is very likely to move north-northwestward and reach the southwest Bay of Bengal near the coasts of northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining southern Andhra Pradesh by the morning of November 30.

Ditwah's Destruction in Sri Lanka

Cyclone Ditwah recently wreaked havoc in Sri Lanka. Floods and landslides have reportedly killed 69 people, while dozens are still missing. The Indian government has immediately sent aid to the neighboring country under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Cyclonic Storm Ditwah has approached India and is expected to enter Indian territory by Saturday afternoon.

The Meteorological Department stated that the storm will not directly hit the Indian coast. However, it will continue to move forward and will have a significant impact on the southern Indian states. The storm will reach the Tamil Nadu coast by Saturday afternoon. However, it will weaken significantly as it moves northward. Despite this, the storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Puducherry. The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert in Tamil Nadu and an orange alert in Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

24-Hour Temperature Alert

The Meteorological Department has issued an updated minimum temperature forecast for the next few days across the country. Temperatures in northwest India will remain unchanged for the next 48 hours, but are expected to gradually drop by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius thereafter. Temperatures in central India will remain stable for the next 48 hours, but are expected to increase by 2 to 3 degrees thereafter. Temperatures in eastern India will remain stable for the next four days, but are expected to drop by 2 to 3 degrees thereafter. Minimum temperatures in Maharashtra will increase by 2 to 3 degrees over the next three days, while there will be no change in Gujarat for the next 48 hours.

Cold Wave Alert

A warning has also been issued regarding dense fog and a cold wave. Dense fog is expected in some areas of Himachal Pradesh during the morning hours from November 29th to December 1st. Dense fog will occur in Haryana, Chandigarh, and Delhi on November 29th and 30th, while fog will persist in eastern Rajasthan from November 30th to December 1st. A cold wave is expected in various parts of Rajasthan from December 3rd to 5th.

Wind speeds of 75 to 90 km/h will occur

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a high alert for the Bay of Bengal and its southern coasts. Strong winds are blowing along the southwest Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Mannar, Comorin region, and Sri Lankan coasts. Currently, wind speeds in coastal areas are 65-75 km/h. After the storm makes landfall, wind speeds are expected to reach 85 km/h. The weather department said that wind speed is expected to reach 90 kilometres per hour in coastal areas by the morning of November 30.

Read More: Cyclone update: Be careful, A Severe Storm is Going to Rise in the Bay of Bengal