Tamil Nadu rains: CM Stalin orders high alert as IMD forecasts more showers; Chennai braces for thunderstorms today

Credit: @kartik_kannan / X

Heavy rains hit parts of western Tamil Nadu and Chennai on Monday, with Hosur recording the highest rainfall of 12 cm in 24 hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast more heavy rain over the next few days in many western and nearby districts.

Chennai and several parts of Tamil Nadu are also set to experience continued spells of rain through Saturday, triggering warnings and precautionary measures across the state.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has predicted moderate thunderstorms and lightning today in places like Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Ranipet, and Vellore. Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms is also expected in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Salem, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tirupathur, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, and Tiruvarur.

IMD, in its forecast, said that moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning will continue across many districts in the coming days. Some places, especially in the western and interior areas, may get heavy rain at times.

Early Monday morning, sudden showers and heavy rain surprised many people in Chennai and surrounding districts like Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu. The temperature dropped, giving relief from the recent heat. This rain is due to an upper air circulation over the Bay of Bengal moving closer to Tamil Nadu’s coast, increasing moisture and rainfall, The Economic Times reported.

In Sankarapuram, Kallakurichi district, heavy rain for two days caused about 500 acres of paddy fields to flood, worrying local farmers. IMD had warned of light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal in the coming days. Heavy rain is possible at some places like Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Erode, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tirupattur, Salem, Karur, and Tiruchirappalli. Strong winds up to 40 to 50 km/h may also occur.

Thunderstorms moving from the east could cause waterlogging and traffic problems in parts of Chennai, Chengalpattu and Tiruvallur.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has told all district officials to be on high alert and ready for emergencies. Control rooms must work round the clock, and rescue vehicles and equipment should be ready at any time. He also said rescue camps must be clean and well-equipped with food, water, and electricity.

Stalin reminded everyone that the Southwest Monsoon, which usually starts in June, brings much-needed rain but can also cause heavy downpours and floods, especially in places like the Western Ghats and Nilgiris. He urged coastal districts to prepare for any challenges the monsoon might bring.