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Chennai Rains: Chennai and several parts of Tamil Nadu are bracing for another wet spell as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has flagged heavy
rainfall and thunderstorm activity linked to a weakening low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal. The Chennai weather office has issued an Orange Alert warning that heavy rain with thunder and lightning is likely in and around the city, while a broader alert has been issued for 19 districts in the state. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious, especially during the late evening and night hours when thunderstorm activity is expected to intensify.
Orange Alert in Chennai: Heavy Rain Likely
According to the Chennai regional meteorological centre, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram, along with Karaikal, are likely to witness heavy rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning, prompting an Orange Alert.
Officials have also noted that rainfall activity could pick up sharply in short spells, meaning the city may see sudden downpours, leading to waterlogging in low-lying and vulnerable stretches.
Cyclone Update: Rain Warning Issued for 19 Districts
The weather department has also warned of thunderstorms with rain across multiple districts. Up to 19 districts have been placed on alert as the system continues to influence rainfall distribution across Tamil Nadu.The districts likely to see rain with thunder and lightning include Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Tiruchirappalli, Ariyalur, Sivaganga, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, among others, with rain activity expected at least till the evening hours.
Cyclone Impact: Low Pressure System Behind the Rain
IMD’s bulletin said a deep depression that prevailed over the southwest Bay of Bengal on January 9 moved west–northwest, weakened, and by the morning of January 10 turned into a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal, off the northeast Sri Lankan coast.The system was reported to be positioned approximately:
- 50 km east-southeast of Mullaitivu (Sri Lanka)
- 60 km north-northeast of Trincomalee (Sri Lanka)
- around 450 km south-southeast of Chennai
It is expected to continue moving west–northwest and is likely to cross the north Sri Lanka coast between Trincomalee and Jaffna, influencing rainfall intensity across Tamil Nadu.
What To Expect on Sunday in Chennai
Chennai’s Sunday forecast indicates a wet and unstable day, with the possibility of heavy spells.Chennai weather on Sunday
- Generally cloudy sky conditions
- One or two spells of heavy rain likely
- Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning possible
- Residents may see short, intense bursts rather than continuous rain
With moisture levels already high, officials are warning of discomfort due to humidity and reduced visibility during heavy spells.
Tamil Nadu Weather: Very Heavy Rain Watch in Delta Districts
Apart from Chennai, the IMD has also flagged the risk of very heavy rain in parts of Tamil Nadu, particularly in:- Thanjavur
- Tiruvarur
- Mayiladuthurai
- Nagapattinam
- Pudukkottai
These districts remain under focus as the system is expected to trigger stronger rain bands over the region.
Public Advisory: What Residents Should Do
Given the Orange Alert and thunderstorm warning, residents are advised to take precautions:- Avoid unnecessary travel during intense rain spells
- Stay away from open areas during lightning activity
- Keep devices charged; power interruptions are possible
- Watch out for waterlogging, especially in low-lying roads/subways
- Follow IMD and civic body alerts for updates
