Tamil Nadu is experiencing intensified rainfall as the northeast monsoon strengthens, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue Red and Orange alerts across multiple districts. The monsoon has triggered widespread precipitation, thunderstorms, and strong winds, with authorities taking precautionary measures to ensure public safety.
A persistent low-pressure trough has formed over southern Kerala and the Comorin Sea, while a deep depression hovers over the southeast Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep region. This system is moving west-northwestward and is expected to develop into a well-marked low-pressure area, influencing weather conditions across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal until October 24.
The IMD has forecast thunderstorms and heavy to very heavy rainfall in northern coastal districts, the Western Ghats, and adjacent interior regions. Recent measurements in the past 24 hours indicate substantial rainfall: Kotagiri recorded 14 cm, Kovilankulam and Aruppukottai 13 cm each, Makinampatti 12 cm, and Rajapalayam, Sivakasi, and Koundampatti 11 cm each.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has issued an orange alert for seven districts, Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, and Cuddalore, warning of extremely heavy rain on Monday, October 21. Additionally, heavy rainfall is expected in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, and Vellore over the next few days.
As a precautionary measure, district administrations have ordered the closure of educational institutions on Wednesday. In Chennai, only schools, government and private, will remain closed, while in Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Thanjavur, Kallakurichi, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, and Thiruvallur, both schools and colleges will remain shut.
The IMD issued a Red Alert for eight districts, including Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, and Ramanathapuram, warning of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kallakurichi, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanniyakumari are under Orange Alert for heavy to very heavy rains.
Strong winds reaching 45–55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, are expected along the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea, while local administrations remain on high alert to manage potential flooding, waterlogging, and power outages.
The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA) has deployed disaster response teams across coastal districts and intensified monsoon preparedness measures. Officials urged residents in low-lying and coastal areas to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and adhere closely to weather advisories.
The low-pressure system is forecast to cross the coast between Nellore and Kovalam, north of Chennai, by the night of October 23 or early morning on October 24. Despite heavy rains, private weather observers have indicated that the system is unlikely to evolve into a cyclonic storm.
The northeast monsoon’s deepening impact is expected to continue over the coming days, bringing widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds to northern Tamil Nadu, the Delta region, and parts of the Western Ghats. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, issuing advisories and coordinating relief measures to mitigate risks to communities across the state.
