Tamil Nadu Northeast Monsoon 2026: Heavy Rain Alert for Chennai and 25 Districts

The northeast monsoon is expected to bring normal rainfall across Tamil Nadu overall, according to VR Durai, Director of the Chennai Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC). Meanwhile, the weather department has forecast heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning in Chennai and several other districts on Saturday.

Chennai and its suburbs experienced widespread rainfall on Thursday, with light rain recorded in the city and moderate to heavy showers in suburban areas.

Northeast Monsoon Forecast for Tamil Nadu

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, rainfall distribution is likely to vary across the State. Northern districts are expected to receive below-normal rainfall, while southern districts may experience above-normal rainfall. Coastal districts are likely to receive normal rainfall during the northeast monsoon season.

The southwest monsoon ended with a 20% rainfall deficit this year, with Tamil Nadu and neighbouring southern states experiencing below-normal rainfall and intense heat in several areas.

Durai said the southwest monsoon had completely withdrawn from the country on Thursday. Northeasterly winds have begun affecting the southern peninsula, marking the commencement of the northeast monsoon over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, among other regions.

Chennai Weather Forecast

Moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is likely in some parts of Chennai on Friday. The weather department has also forecast heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph at isolated places in Chennai on Saturday.

Residents are advised to remain alert during thunderstorms and follow official weather updates.

Heavy Rain Alert for Tamil Nadu Districts

On Friday, heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated places in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Dindigul, Tenkasi and Madurai districts. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph may accompany the rainfall.

Heavy rain is also forecast at isolated places in Erode, Tiruppur, Virudhunagar, Kanniyakumari, Cuddalore, Karur, Puducherry, Ariyalur, Pudukkottai, Villupuram, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Tiruchirappalli, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Salem, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, Ranipet, Tiruvallur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur and Karaikal.

The remaining parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are likely to receive moderate rain at many places.

Saturday Rain Forecast

On Saturday, heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph is likely at isolated places in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Tiruppur, Chennai, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu.

El Niño and Northeast Monsoon Rainfall

Commenting on El Niño, Durai said Tamil Nadu has historically received hihigher rainfall during such years. However, the formation of low-pressure areas is expected to be limited. El Niño conditions are forecast to continue until January–February next year.

The overall northeast monsoon rainfall outlook remains normal for Tamil Nadu, although significant differences are expected between northern, southern and coastal districts.