Google Trends today: A sudden spike in online searches about a possible cyclone in the Bay of Bengal made it one of the most searched topics on Google on Sunday, November 23. According to data from Google Trends, interest in the keyword began rising sharply around 5:50 am. By 9 am, more than 2,000 people had already searched for it.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday said that a cyclonic system is forming over the Bay of Bengal. A low-pressure area that developed over the Strait of Malacca and the nearby South Andaman Sea on November 22 is likely to become a depression by November 24.
Heavy rainfall alert for southern states and UTs
The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall alert for several southern states and Union territories as this weather system continues to develop.
According to the IMD’s Saturday bulletin, light to moderate rain with isolated heavy showers is expected in Tamil Nadu from November 22 to 25, in Kerala and Mahe from November 22 to 26, in Lakshadweep from November 22 to 23 and in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on multiple days. Very heavy rain is also likely in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on November 24 and 25.
Thunderstorms and strong winds expected
The IMD has also forecast thunderstorms with lightning in Tamil Nadu, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, and Rayalaseema from November 22 to 24; in Kerala, Mahe and Lakshadweep from November 22 to 26; in Coastal Karnataka and South Interior Karnataka on November 22; and in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands through the week, with winds possibly reaching 40–50 kmph.
This developing system may affect travel plans across many coastal and island destinations. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, in particular, are likely to receive very heavy rain on November 23 and 24.
For travellers in Port Blair, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and other nearby islands, the IMD’s warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall on November 23 and 24 is especially important, according to a Times of India report.
The islands may also experience local flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas.