Heavy Rainfall Alert Issued for Tamil Nadu as Northeast Monsoon Begins
Heavy Rainfall Alert Issued for Tamil Nadu as Northeast Monsoon Begins
IN · Published Nov 9, 2026
• The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has announced the onset of the Northeast Monsoon over Tamil Nadu, expected to begin on Thursday, 15 October
• Widespread light rain was recorded in Chennai and its suburbs on Wednesday, with heavy to very heavy rainfall forecasted for isolated areas across the state. The weather activity is attributed to an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the Comorin area, extending up to 1.5 km above mean sea level, and an easterly trough stretching towards the Northwest Bay of Bengal off the Odisha coast. Chennai is likely to experience moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning in some areas.

Impact & Risks

The heavy rainfall is expected to impact several districts, including the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Virudhunagar, and others. Coastal areas such as Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore are also likely to experience heavy rain. The weather department has warned of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph in some regions. Residents in affected areas should prepare for potential waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and power outages. The risk of flash floods and landslides in hilly areas like the Nilgiris and Coimbatore is also heightened.

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