Tamil Nadu Rain Alert: Heavy Rain Forecast for Several Districts, Says IMD

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Chennai, has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of Tamil Nadu, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds. According to the weather bulletin dated October 19, 2026, rainfall is expected across coastal, delta, western and southern districts over the coming days.

An atmospheric circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal, off the north Tamil Nadu coast, and a trough extending towards the northwest Bay of Bengal are contributing to the prevailing weather conditions.

Heavy Rain Forecast for Tamil Nadu Today

On October 19, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai districts, as well as Karaikal.

Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and winds of 40–50 kmph is also possible at isolated places in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruchirappalli, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Kallakurichi, Karur, Ramanathapuram and Sivaganga districts.

Light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and strong winds is possible in other parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

October 20: Rain Alert for Delta and Coastal Districts

On October 20, heavy to very heavy rainfall is forecast at isolated places in Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai and Cuddalore districts, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal.

Heavy rainfall is also likely in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruchirappalli, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupattur, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar and Ramanathapuram districts.

Other areas may receive light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.

October 21: Heavy Rain Expected in Southern Districts

On October 21, isolated places in Theni, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari districts may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Heavy rainfall is also possible in parts of Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Madurai, Dindigul, Thoothukudi and Ramanathapuram districts, along with Karaikal.

October 22: Rainfall Likely Across Southern and Delta Regions

On October 22, heavy rainfall is forecast at isolated places in Kanniyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai districts, as well as Karaikal.

Other parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry may receive light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and strong winds.

October 23: Rain Alert for Western and Central Districts

On October 23, isolated places in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Salem, Namakkal, Tiruruchirappalli, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Pudukkottai, Dindigul and Madurai districts may receive heavy rainfall.

Light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and strong winds is likely in other areas of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal.

October 24 and 25: Widespread Rain Forecast

The IMD forecast indicates the possibility of heavy rainfall at isolated places across several districts on October 24 and 25.

These include the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Theni, Madurai, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Tiruchirappalli, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet, Kallakurichi and Tiruvannamalai.

Karaikal may also experience heavy rainfall at isolated places, while other parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry may receive light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds.

Chennai Weather Forecast for October 19 and 20

Chennai is expected to experience partly cloudy skies on October 19 and 20. Thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rainfall are possible in some parts of the city.

The maximum temperature is expected to remain around 32–33°C, while the minimum temperature may be around 25–26°C.

Temperature Forecast for Tamil Nadu

From October 19 to 23, the maximum temperature across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal is expected to remain close to normal, with no significant change forecast.

Safety Precautions During Heavy Rain

Residents in districts under heavy rain alerts should follow official weather updates and take precautions during thunderstorms and strong winds. Avoid waterlogged roads, do not stand under trees during lightning, and exercise caution while travelling through low-lying areas.

People should follow the latest advisories issued by the IMD and local authorities, as rainfall intensity may vary from place to place.