Cyclone Ditwah: How did the storm get its name and what does it mean?

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Cyclone Ditwah, a tropical storm that formed over the Southwest Bay of Bengal on November 26, has left a trail of destruction in Sri Lanka and is now moving northwards, travelling parallel to the northern part of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts. As the system continues to intensify over the sea, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and South Andhra Pradesh, urging residents to stay prepared for adverse weather conditions.

Origin

Cyclones, also known as tropical storms, develop over warm ocean waters where the sea surface temperature is high enough to trigger atmospheric instability. When warm, moist air rises from the ocean, it cools and condenses to form clouds. This process releases latent heat, which further fuels the system, creating a cycle of rising air, cloud formation, and intensification. As this structure grows vertically, the Earth's rotation causes it to spin. In the Northern Hemisphere, this rotation is counter clockwise, while in the Southern Hemisphere it is clockwise.

Cyclone Ditwah emerged from a well-marked low-pressure area over the Southwest Bay of Bengal on November 26. Over the next few days, favourable conditions, such as warm sea surface temperatures, low vertical wind shear, and ample moisture helped the system strengthen into a named tropical storm.

What does ‘Ditwah' mean

Tropical storms across the world are named by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to improve communication, avoid confusion during forecasts, and support disaster risk awareness. Naming the cyclone is essential because multiple storms can form at the same time in the same region or across the globe, making clear identification crucial for issuing warnings and coordinating relief efforts.

The name ‘Ditwah' was contributed by Yemen. It is inspired by the Detwah Lagoon, a pristine ecological hotspot in Yemen's Socotra Archipelago, known for its unique biodiversity, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic landscapes. Each country in the region contributes a set of names, and the list - consisting of contributions from 13 countries, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the UAE, and others - is used sequentially.

Impact and forecast

According to the red nowcast warning, IMD has predicted heavy rainfall exceeding 15 mm per hour, along with moderate thunderstorms and maximum wind speeds of 40-60 kmph. Coastal regions have been advised to remain cautious, with the possibility of waterlogging, rough sea conditions, and disruption to transport.

The next cyclone on the list will be named ‘Arnab', a name that means ‘frog' and is also commonly used as a neutral personal name in some cultures.