Tamil Nadu weather alert: Will rain play spoilsport for Pongal in Chennai? Here's what IMD prediction says

Tamil Nadu is likely to see continuation of rainfall activity under the influence of the Northeast Monsoon, which remains active over parts of south Tamil Nadu. The IMD has warned of moderate rain with thunderstorms at isolated places over Nagappattinam,Thanjavur, Thiruvaru districts of Tamil Nadu and Karaikal area. The weather agency has forecast light to moderate rain at isolated places over Ariyalur, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi,Karur, Mayiladuthurai, Perambalur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Tiruchirappalli districts of Tamil Nadu. "Light to moderate rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Tamilnadu (at a few places over South Tamilnadu and at isolated places over North Tamilnadu), Puducherry & Karaikal area with thunderstorm & lightning at one or two places," the IMD said in a weather bulletin for January 13.

For January 14, the IMD has predicted light to moderate rain at isolated places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry & Karaikal area. It is pertinent to note that rainfall in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday may play spoilsport for people celebrating Pongal in the southern state tomorrow. The IMD said night temperatures are likely to dip gradually from January 13 to 15, bringing slightly cooler conditions across the state.

Chennai weather today

For Tuesday, Chennai is likely to experience a warm, mostly dry day with temperatures around 28°C and moderate humidity. While skies will be partly cloudy, rain is unlikely in the Tamil Nadu capital. The minimum temperature is forecast at 22.8°C. In Chennai, skies are predicted to remain partly cloudy today and there are almost negligible chances of rainfall with a forecast precipitation of just 0.01 mm. There is a 0% daily chance of rain, indicating that umbrellas will not be necessary. Winds are expected to be noticeable but not disruptive.


ALSO READ: Chennai has Ooty-like weather: City shivers in unusually breezy, cold weather as IMD predicts light rain. Check Tamil Nadu weather forecast

Will rain play spoilsport for Pongal in Tamil Nadu?

As Tamil Nadu is gearing up to celebrate Pongal- there's one question lingering on everyone's mind- whether rain dampen the festive mood in Tamil Nadu? With parts of the coastal belt and delta districts witnessing intermittent showers over the past few days, concerns have been raised about how the weather might behave during the four-day harvest festival that begins this week.

Pongal celebrations will begin with Bhogi Pandigai on January 14 (Wednesday), followed by Thai Pongal on January 15 (Thursday), the most significant day of the festival and a full public holiday. The festivities will continue with Mattu Pongal on January 16 (Friday) and conclude with Kaanum Pongal or Uzhavar Thirunal on January 17 (Saturday). As families plan temple visits, village gatherings, cattle worship, outdoor cooking of the traditional Pongal dish and travel to native places, weather conditions remain a key consideration.

ALSO READ: Pongal holidays 2026: Tamil Nadu schools to remain shut on these dates. Check full list of holidays

According to the weather department, light to moderate rainfall is likely at isolated locations across Tamil Nadu on January 13, with higher activity expected over south Tamil Nadu and scattered spells over parts of the north. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning may occur at one or two places.

Overall, the outlook remains largely favourable for Pongal celebrations. Based on the Regional Meteorological Centre’s bulletin and expert assessments, most of the active rainfall is expected to occur before the festival, mainly on January 12 and partially on January 13. During Bhogi, Thai Pongal and Mattu Pongal, widespread heavy rain is unlikely, though isolated drizzles or brief showers may be seen in a few delta and coastal districts.