PTIAs Bengaluru tackles one its worst rainfalls in two decades, Chennai and several parts of Tamil Nadu are also set to experience continued spells of rain through Saturday, May 24, triggering warnings and precautionary measures across the state. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has predicted moderate thunderstorms and lightning today in Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, and Vellore. Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is also expected in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Salem, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tirupathur, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and other districts.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended its forecast, predicting moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning across multiple districts in the coming days, with isolated heavy rainfall expected particularly in the western and interior regions.
Overnight showers and isolated downpours early Monday morning caught many office-goers in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and other surrounding districts by surprise, plunging temperatures and offering much-needed respite from the heat. The rains are attributed to an upper air circulation over the Bay of Bengal, which has moved closer to the Tamil Nadu coast, enhancing moisture and rainfall activity.
The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal in the coming days. Heavy downpours are likely at isolated locations, particularly in districts such as Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Erode, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tirupattur, Salem, Karur, and Tiruchirappalli. Some areas may also experience gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 km/h. With active thunderstorm cells advancing from the east, the weather department has cautioned that waterlogging and traffic disruptions are possible in parts of Chennai, Chengalpattu, and Tiruvallur. In view of the continued and expected rainfall across the state, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has directed all district collectors to stay on high alert and ensure emergency preparedness. He has asked officials to keep emergency control rooms operational round the clock and to make sure that rescue vehicles and equipment are ready for deployment at short notice. Additionally, he stressed the need for setting up clean and well-equipped rescue camps with essential facilities such as food, drinking water, and electricity.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended its forecast, predicting moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning across multiple districts in the coming days, with isolated heavy rainfall expected particularly in the western and interior regions.
Overnight showers and isolated downpours early Monday morning caught many office-goers in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and other surrounding districts by surprise, plunging temperatures and offering much-needed respite from the heat. The rains are attributed to an upper air circulation over the Bay of Bengal, which has moved closer to the Tamil Nadu coast, enhancing moisture and rainfall activity.
In Sankarapuram, located in Kallakurichi district, incessant rainfall for two consecutive days has submerged around 500 acres of paddy crops, raising fresh concerns among farmers.
The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal in the coming days. Heavy downpours are likely at isolated locations, particularly in districts such as Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Erode, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tirupattur, Salem, Karur, and Tiruchirappalli. Some areas may also experience gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 km/h. With active thunderstorm cells advancing from the east, the weather department has cautioned that waterlogging and traffic disruptions are possible in parts of Chennai, Chengalpattu, and Tiruvallur. In view of the continued and expected rainfall across the state, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has directed all district collectors to stay on high alert and ensure emergency preparedness. He has asked officials to keep emergency control rooms operational round the clock and to make sure that rescue vehicles and equipment are ready for deployment at short notice. Additionally, he stressed the need for setting up clean and well-equipped rescue camps with essential facilities such as food, drinking water, and electricity.
Stalin underlined the importance of being prepared ahead of the Southwest Monsoon, which usually brings rainfall from June to September. While he acknowledged that the monsoon plays a vital role in replenishing groundwater, he also pointed out the risks of heavy rain and flash floods, especially in vulnerable regions like the Western Ghats and the Nilgiris.
He added that coastal districts must also be ready to face any challenges the monsoon may bring.
