Cyclone Ditwah Approaches Indian Coast: IMD Issues Updates, Five States on Alert

New Delhi – Cyclonic Storm Ditwah, currently swirling over the coastal regions of Sri Lanka and the adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, is steadily moving north-northwest and is expected to approach the coasts of Tamil Nadu and southern Andhra Pradesh by the early hours of November 30, 2025. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a series of advisories, urging residents and authorities in affected regions to remain vigilant as the system continues its trajectory toward India.

As of 5:30 am IST on November 28, 2025, Cyclone Ditwah was positioned at approximately 8.2 degrees North latitude and 81.1 degrees East longitude. The storm’s center was located around 50 kilometers south-southwest of Trincomalee, 90 kilometers northwest of Batticaloa, and roughly 230 kilometers north of Hambantota in Sri Lanka. On the Indian side, Ditwah’s location was about 440 kilometers south-southeast of Puducherry and 540 kilometers south of Chennai, advancing at a relatively slow speed of 7 kilometers per hour over the preceding six hours.

According to the IMD, Ditwah is expected to continue its north-northwestward path along the Sri Lankan coast, eventually emerging over the southwest Bay of Bengal. From there, the system is projected to move closer to the coasts of North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining regions of southern Andhra Pradesh by early November 30. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the storm, noting that its slow movement could lead to prolonged rainfall and intensified weather conditions in affected areas.

Anticipated Rainfall and Weather Impact

The IMD has forecasted widespread rainfall across southern India as Cyclone Ditwah and the associated deep depression influence regional weather patterns. Specific rainfall predictions for various states are as follows:

  • Tamil Nadu: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected from November 28 to November 30, with isolated extremely heavy downpours likely today and tomorrow. The state is expected to experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning from November 28 to December 1.
  • Rayalaseema (Andhra Pradesh): Rainfall is expected to persist from November 28 to December 1, with extremely heavy spells possible on November 30.
  • Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam: Residents can expect heavy to very heavy rainfall from November 28 to December 2, peaking on November 30. Thunderstorms with lightning are also anticipated during this period.
  • Kerala and Mahe: Heavy rainfall is likely today and tomorrow, with thunderstorms forecasted on November 28 and 29.
  • Telangana: Isolated heavy rain is expected on November 30 and December 1.
  • South Interior Karnataka: Heavy rainfall is possible on November 29. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are forecasted on November 29 and 30.
  • North Interior Karnataka: Thunderstorms and lightning are expected on November 30.
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Thunderstorms with gusty winds of 30 to 40 kilometers per hour are likely on November 28 and 29.

Authorities have issued advisories for residents in these regions to remain alert and take necessary precautions. Fishermen, in particular, have been cautioned against venturing into the southwest Bay of Bengal and along the Sri Lankan coast due to the heightened risk posed by high winds and rough seas.

Temperature Outlook Across India

In addition to rainfall and storm warnings, the IMD has issued forecasts regarding temperature changes in different parts of India over the coming days:

  • Northwest India: Minimum temperatures are expected to rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next two days, before dipping again.
  • Central India: Temperatures are projected to fall by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next two days.
  • East India: A gradual rise of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius is expected over the next three days.
  • West India: No significant change is expected in the next 24 hours, followed by a 2 to 3 degrees Celsius drop over the next four days.
  • Northeast India: No major change in temperatures is forecasted for the next five days.

Fog and Cold Wave Alerts

Alongside cyclone-related advisories, the IMD has also issued warnings for fog and cold wave conditions in northern and western India:

  • Dense Fog: Likely during early mornings in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi between November 28 and 30, and over East Rajasthan from November 30 to December 1.
  • Cold Wave: Expected in parts of Punjab on November 28 and 29, and in Rajasthan on December 3 and 4.

These warnings are crucial for commuters, farmers, and residents, as dense fog and cold wave conditions could impact road transport, agriculture, and daily life.

Precautionary Measures and Government Response

The approaching Cyclone Ditwah has prompted authorities in the affected states to activate disaster management protocols. Local administrations are preparing for potential flooding, waterlogging, and damage to infrastructure caused by heavy rainfall and gusty winds. Evacuation plans are being reviewed in low-lying coastal areas, and emergency response teams have been put on alert to ensure swift action in case of any adverse developments.

Fishermen and coastal residents have been advised to exercise caution and remain indoors during periods of intense rainfall and high winds. The IMD continues to emphasize that while the cyclone’s trajectory currently points toward the Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coasts, its path and intensity are subject to change, necessitating constant monitoring.

State disaster management authorities are coordinating with the Indian Meteorological Department and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to ensure preparedness. Early warning systems, weather alerts via mobile networks, and community outreach programs have been deployed to educate and inform residents about safety measures and evacuation procedures.

Outlook and Potential Implications

While the cyclone is expected to make landfall by the early hours of November 30, its slow movement over the Bay of Bengal and proximity to coastal areas could prolong adverse weather conditions. Heavy rainfall over multiple days may result in waterlogging, landslides in hilly regions, and disruption of road and rail transport. Power outages and damage to infrastructure are also potential risks, prompting authorities to preposition essential supplies such as food, water, and medical aid in vulnerable areas.

The IMD has stressed the importance of continuous monitoring, as changes in wind patterns, storm intensity, and precipitation levels can significantly alter the cyclone’s impact. Residents are urged to stay updated through official channels, adhere to local advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel in affected regions.

In conclusion, Cyclone Ditwah’s advance toward the southern coast of India has placed Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana, and parts of Karnataka on high alert. With heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and potential strong winds forecasted over the coming days, authorities and citizens alike are being called upon to take precautionary measures to mitigate the storm’s impact. Continuous monitoring, timely advisories, and adherence to safety protocols will play a critical role in minimizing disruption and ensuring the safety of communities in the storm’s projected path.


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