Key Highlights:
- Cyclone Ditwah is expected to make landfall between north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh on November 29-30, 2025, with wind speeds reaching 60-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph
- The India Meteorological Department has issued red alerts for multiple Tamil Nadu districts with extremely heavy rainfall predictions exceeding 204 mm in 24 hours
- This marks the third cyclonic formation in the Bay of Bengal during the 2024 post-monsoon season, following Cyclones Senyar and Dana
Opening Overview
Cyclone Ditwah is rapidly approaching the Indian coastline as authorities brace for significant weather disruptions across southern states. The India Meteorological Department confirmed that Cyclone Ditwah intensified from a deep depression into a cyclonic storm on November 27, 2025, positioning itself approximately 700 kilometers southeast of Chennai near Pottuvil, Sri Lanka. Cyclone Ditwah represents a critical weather event for coastal communities, as the storm system tracks north-northwestward across the southwest Bay of Bengal with sustained wind speeds and heavy rainfall potential.
The cyclonic formation of Ditwah follows closely after Cyclone Senyar weakened, making it the third cyclone to develop during the October-November post-monsoon period over the Bay of Bengal. According to IMD data from 2024, the North Indian Ocean witnessed 12 cyclonic disturbances against a normal count of 11.2 per year based on historical data from 1965-2023.
#CycloneDitwah is getting delayed!
— Tamil Nadu Weather – Arut (@TamilNaduWeath2) November 28, 2025
The cyclone is expected to surf the sea only by late tomorrow wobbling over the rough Srilankan surface and eventually regaining it's strength. The cyclone will move close parallel to our coast, providing no environment for further… pic.twitter.com/4UqoWgLxRq
Current Position and Movement of Cyclone Ditwah
- As of November 28, 2025, at 8:30 AM IST, Cyclone Ditwah lay centered near latitude 8.3°N and longitude 81.0°E over coastal Sri Lanka and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal
- The cyclone is positioned approximately 40 km southwest of Trincomalee, 100 km northwest of Batticaloa in Sri Lanka, and 530 km south of Chennai, India
The meteorological tracking data indicates that Cyclone Ditwah moved north-northwestward at speeds ranging from 7 to 10 kmph over the past six hours. The cyclone’s trajectory path shows it will continue moving across the Sri Lankan coast and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal regions before reaching the southwest Bay of Bengal near North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts by early morning on November 30.
Cyclone Ditwah’s current wind speeds near the storm center measure 60-80 kmph with gusts reaching up to 90 kmph, while outer bands experience winds of 35-45 kmph gusting to approximately 55 kmph. The India Meteorological Department’s official bulletins confirm that Cyclone Ditwah has been intensifying steadily since its formation, with the system expected to strengthen further before making landfall. Official IMD tracking places Cyclone Ditwah on a consistent north-northwest trajectory, maintaining its speed and intensity as it approaches the Indian mainland.
Landfall Timeline and Expected Impact Zones for Cyclone Ditwah
- Cyclone Ditwah is forecast to make landfall between the evening of November 29 and morning of November 30, 2025
- The primary impact zone extends from north Tamil Nadu through Puducherry to south Andhra Pradesh coastal districts
- Red alert zones include Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu with extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204 mm in 24 hours
The landfall process of Cyclone Ditwah will begin affecting coastal regions from the evening or night of November 29, with rainfall and wind intensities gradually spreading across the entire coastal Andhra Pradesh from November 30 to December 1. Regional Meteorological Department officials confirmed that Cyclone Ditwah’s landfall location will be between north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh, specifically targeting districts including Nellore, Tirupati, Chittoor, Kadapa, and Prakasam. The IMD has placed Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, and Chengalpattu under orange alert, indicating very heavy rainfall between 110-200 mm within 24-hour periods during Cyclone Ditwah’s passage.
Impact assessments from meteorological authorities suggest that Cyclone Ditwah will trigger widespread disruptions including potential flooding, waterlogging, traffic congestion, and disruption of public transportation services across multiple southern states. Coastal Andhra Pradesh districts are expected to face the full force of Cyclone Ditwah from November 30 onward, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall continuing through December 2, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
| District/Region | Alert Level | Expected Rainfall (24 hrs) | Impact Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam | Red Alert | 204+ mm (Extremely Heavy) | Nov 29-30 |
| Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur | Orange Alert | 110-200 mm (Very Heavy) | Nov 29-30 |
| Nellore, Tirupati, Chittoor (AP) | Red Alert | 204+ mm (Extremely Heavy) | Nov 30 |
| Puducherry | Orange Alert | 110-200 mm (Very Heavy) | Nov 28-Dec 1 |
Rainfall Predictions and Weather Warnings Across Five States
- Tamil Nadu will experience heavy to very heavy rainfall from November 27-30, with isolated extremely heavy falls on November 28 and 29
- Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema regions face similar conditions from November 28 to December 2
- Kerala, Karnataka, and Telangana will also receive significant rainfall spillover from Cyclone Ditwah
The India Meteorological Department’s official forecast indicates that Cyclone Ditwah will trigger heavy to very heavy rainfall measuring 64-204 mm within 24-hour periods across northern Tamil Nadu until December 1, with extremely heavy spells exceeding 204 mm likely on November 29 and 30. Cyclone Ditwah’s rain bands have already begun influencing weather patterns in Andhra Pradesh from November 28, particularly affecting Nellore and Tirupati districts as the first recipients of heavy showers.
Meteorological data shows that Cyclone Ditwah will bring squally weather with wind speeds of 35-45 kmph along and off the south coast of Andhra Pradesh initially, with wind speeds likely to increase significantly as the system progresses toward landfall. Kerala and Mahe are forecasted to receive heavy rainfall spells between November 27 and 29 due to Cyclone Ditwah’s peripheral effects, while Telangana may experience moderate rainfall on November 30 and December 1. The weather warning system for Cyclone Ditwah includes specific advisories for fishermen, who have been strictly advised not to venture into sea areas along and off coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry due to rough sea conditions and high wind speeds.
Historical Context and 2024 Cyclone Season Data
- The 2024 North Indian Ocean cyclone season recorded 12 cyclonic disturbances against a normal count of 11.2 per year based on 1965-2023 data
- Major cyclones during 2024 included Severe Cyclonic Storm Remal (May 24-28), Cyclonic Storm Asna (August 25-September 2), Severe Cyclonic Storm Dana (October 22-26), and Cyclonic Storm Fengal (November 29-December 1)
- IMD’s forecast performance in 2024 showed significant improvements with track forecast errors of 66 km, 84 km, and 116 km for 24, 48, and 72-hour lead periods respectively
Cyclone Ditwah emerges as the third significant cyclonic formation in the Bay of Bengal during the post-monsoon season of October-November 2024, following the pattern established by earlier systems. According to official IMD annual verification reports, the year 2024 witnessed above-average cyclonic activity with 12 total disturbances, including 8 depressions/deep depressions and 4 cyclones (2 cyclonic storms and 2 severe cyclonic storms). The naming convention for Cyclone Ditwah follows the established North Indian Ocean naming system, with the name deriving from Yemen as part of the regional meteorological cooperation framework.
Historical data from the India Meteorological Department reveals that basin-wise distribution in 2024 included 3 cyclones developing over the Bay of Bengal and 1 over the Arabian Sea, matching closely with normal patterns of 3.5 over the Bay and 1 over the Arabian Sea based on 1965-2023 data. The forecast accuracy for cyclone tracking has improved substantially in recent years, with the five-year moving average showing consistent decreases in track forecast errors since 2003, demonstrating enhanced meteorological capabilities for systems like Cyclone Ditwah.
Closing Assessment
Cyclone Ditwah represents a significant meteorological event requiring immediate preparedness across multiple southern states as the system approaches landfall between November 29-30, 2025. The India Meteorological Department’s comprehensive tracking and early warning systems have provided coastal communities with critical lead time, enabling evacuation and safety measures for vulnerable populations facing Cyclone Ditwah’s impact. Authorities have activated disaster management protocols with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister directing all government departments to coordinate relief efforts and assist the public during Cyclone Ditwah’s passage through red and orange alert zones.
The cyclonic system’s trajectory and intensity forecast demonstrate the enhanced capabilities of modern meteorological science, as evidenced by IMD’s improved forecast accuracy rates documented throughout the 2024 cyclone season. As Cyclone Ditwah makes its final approach toward the Indian coastline, the coordinated response between meteorological agencies, disaster management authorities, and state governments will prove critical in minimizing potential damages and protecting lives across the anticipated impact zones spanning Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh coastal regions.
