Tamil Nadu weather alert: Chennai, Kanchipuram, Vellore among 21 districts under heavy rain warning; Fishermen advised to stay ashore

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu, with heavy showers expected in at least 21 districts due to atmospheric circulation patterns and other prevailing weather conditions. Coastal regions have also been placed on alert, and fishermen have been strictly advised against venturing into the sea until conditions improve.

According to the IMD bulletin, Sriperumbudur in Kanchipuram district recorded the highest rainfall of 18 cm in the 24-hour period ending Tuesday morning. This was followed by 13 cm in Manali New Town, Chennai; 10 cm in Guruvaadi, Ariyalur district; and 9 cm each in Korattur, Parimunai, and Ennore in Chennai.

The IMD explained that the current weather is influenced by an upper-level cyclonic circulation coupled with lower-level convergence across southern India. This pattern is expected to bring moderate rainfall with thunderstorms across most parts of Tamil Nadu, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal.


Strong winds reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h are also likely. Officials have noted that moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected to continue in many parts of the state until 20 September.

Districts likely to witness heavy rainfall at isolated locations include Nilgiris, Erode, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Tiruvannamalai, Tirupattur, Vellore, Ranipet, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Kallakurichi, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Tiruchirapalli, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Thanjavur. In addition, heavy rainfall is forecast for one or two locations in Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Vellore, and Kanchipuram districts on Thursday.

Chennai and its suburban areas are expected to see cloudy skies with spells of moderate rain, accompanied by lightning and thunder.

The IMD has also issued advisories for coastal regions, warning of squally winds reaching speeds of 40–50 km/h, with gusts up to 60 km/h, over the Gulf of Mannar, Comorin Sea, and adjoining southern Tamil Nadu coastal areas. Fishermen have been strictly warned to avoid venturing into these waters until conditions improve.

Authorities have urged the public to remain cautious in low-lying areas prone to waterlogging and have advised district administrations to maintain high alert for possible flooding and traffic disruptions.

Inputs from agencies