Tamil Nadu braces for heavy rain as northeast monsoon intensifies

Tamil Nadu is likely to experience several days of widespread rainfall as a fresh weather system develops over the Bay of Bengal on October 21, 2026. Southern and delta districts are expected to receive some of the heaviest downpours, with the spell likely to continue until October 26.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) expects a low-pressure area to form over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. As the weather system develops, rainfall activity is forecast to shift from the northern coastal belt towards southern and interior regions.

Orange alerts have been issued for select southern districts, including Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi, where rainfall could reach 20 cm in some places on Wednesday and Thursday, October 22. Officials are also monitoring the possibility of isolated extremely heavy rainfall in the southern districts.

Nagapattinam, Theni and Ramanathapuram are among the districts that could experience intense showers. Interior locations such as Madurai and Karur may also receive substantial rainfall after experiencing high temperatures in recent days.

Moderate rain is expected across much of the State during the coming days. The northeast monsoon has already helped Tamil Nadu overcome its monthly rainfall deficit, leaving the State with a reported 12% surplus so far this month.

By 6 p.m. on Tuesday, light to moderate rainfall had been recorded in places including Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Coimbatore and Cuddalore. Several locations in and around Chennai also received showers.

V.R. Durai, head of the Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, said meteorologists were keeping a close watch on the possibility of exceptionally heavy rain in isolated southern areas.

Another low-pressure area could develop over the Bay of Bengal around Friday, October 23. However, it is not currently expected to bring a significant additional rainfall impact to Tamil Nadu.

For Chennai, the RMC has predicted moderate showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in some areas on Wednesday.