Tamil Nadu heavy rains: IMD issues orange alert for Chennai and 16 other districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in Chennai and multiple districts across Tamil Nadu, warning residents of potential disruption due to waterlogging and slippery roads.

The alert covers Chennai, Thiruvallur, Coimbatore, Nilgiris, Tenkasi, Dindigul, Theni, Thoothukudi, Sivagangai, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Tiruppur and Kanniyakumari.

Meanwhile, Madurai and Virudhunagar districts are under a yellow alert, indicating less severe but still significant rainfall, according to a FJP report.

The IMD attributes the expected downpour to a cyclonic circulation over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and the adjoining South Andaman Sea. Chennai is likely to see a minimum temperature of 28°C today, with highs expected to reach 33°C amid 71% humidity. Southwest winds are blowing steadily at 19 km/h, with overcast skies predicted throughout the day.

Over the next five days, the city is likely to experience fluctuating weather:

31 May: Cloudy skies, temperatures between 28°C and 34°C.

1 June: Partly cloudy conditions.

2 June: Light rainfall with a partly cloudy sky.

3 June: Thundershowers expected, temperatures ranging from 28°C to 34°C.

4 June: Partly cloudy, with temperatures hovering between 29°C and 34°C.

Authorities have urged residents to prepare for possible traffic delays and waterlogging in low-lying areas. Motorists are advised to exercise caution on slippery roads.

While no official advisories have been issued for school or office closures yet, locals are keeping a close watch on updates from the IMD and district administrations.