Tamil Nadu Northeast Monsoon 2026 Begins: Orange Alert for 6 Districts, Chennai Rain Forecast

The northeast monsoon has commenced over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, bringing fresh rainfall forecasts across the State. The Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre has issued an orange alert for six districts, warning of the possibility of very heavy rain on Friday, October 16, 2026.

The districts under the orange alert are the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Dindigul, Tenkasi and Madurai. Chennai is also likely to receive moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in some areas.

Southwest Monsoon Ends with 21% Rainfall Deficit

The southwest monsoon completely withdrew from India on Thursday. Tamil Nadu recorded a rainfall deficit of 21% during the season, according to the reported figures.

Historical figures indicate rainfall deficits of 45% in 2002, 23% in 2012 and 20% in 2016. The latest report notes that the southwest monsoon rainfall deficit in 2026 was significant compared with recent years.

Tamil Nadu Northeast Monsoon Forecast

The northeast monsoon has begun over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. The seasonal rainfall outlook indicates differences across the State:

Northern districts: Below-normal rainfall is likely.

Southern districts: Above-normal rainfall is expected.

Coastal districts: Rainfall is likely to remain near normal.

Meteorological officials have also indicated that temperatures could remain slightly above normal during the season due to the expected influence of strong El Niño conditions, which may persist until February next year.

Orange Alert for Six Districts

The Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast the possibility of very heavy rain in the following districts on Friday, October 16:

- Nilgiris

- Coimbatore

- Theni

- Dindigul

- Tenkasi

- Madurai

A yellow alert has also been issued for the northern interior districts, southern districts, Delta region, Puducherry and Karaikal, where heavy rainfall is possible.

Residents in the affected districts are advised to follow official weather updates and take precautions during periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Chennai Weather Forecast

Chennai experienced scattered rainfall on Thursday. On Friday, some parts of the city are likely to receive moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

Weather conditions may vary across neighbourhoods, so residents should monitor local forecasts before travelling.

Thogamalai and Thiruvenkadu Record 110 mm Rainfall

During the 24 hours ending at 8:30 AM on Thursday, Thogamalai in Karur district and Thiruvenkadu in Mayiladuthurai district each recorded 110 mm of rainfall, according to the weather report.

The latest rainfall observations highlight the uneven distribution of rain across Tamil Nadu as the northeast monsoon gets underway.

Residents are advised to follow updates from the India Meteorological Department and the Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre for the latest rainfall warnings.

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Meta Description: Tamil Nadu northeast monsoon 2026 begins with an orange alert for six districts. Chennai may receive moderate rain with thunderstorms on October 16.