Cyclone Michaung; Bay of Bengal's low pressure to intensify into severe depression, chance of heavy rain in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A low-pressure system originating near the Andaman Sea has rapidly intensified, now poised to transform into a severe cyclonic disturbance named Cyclone Michaung within the next 48 hours. This impending cyclone, if formed will mark the sixth in the Indian Ocean this year and the fourth in the Bay of Bengal.

Currently, there are multiple weather disturbances in the region including a cyclonic vortex near Sri Lanka, a depression in the southeast Bay of Bengal and another cyclonic vortex in the southwest Arabian Sea. These phenomena are expected to bring copious amounts of moisture-laden air towards the Tamil Nadu coast resulting in heavy rainfall. Chennai is already experiencing substantial rainfall, leading to waterlogging in various areas. Further heavy rainfall is forecasted for Kerala by Saturday, while the Andaman and Nicobar Islands anticipate rains by December 1 due to the cyclonic impact.

The Central Meteorological Department has issued warnings for thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rain at isolated locations in Kerala on November 29, December 2 and December 3 with strong winds of 30 to 40 km per hour. Additionally, thunderstorms accompanied by rain and lightning are expected on November 30 and December 1.

Thunderstorms pose significant risks causing harm to both human and animal life, damaging electrical communication networks, and posing threats to electrical appliances connected to conductors. The public is strongly advised to take precautions when clouds begin to form as lightning strikes may not always be visible.