Chennai Rain: The city is set for a wet and stormy week ahead, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a week-long alert for thunderstorms
and moderate rainfall across Chennai and its neighbouring districts. The forecast warns of frequent lightning and thunder activity till Sunday, after which rainfall intensity is expected to ease gradually.
Chennai Weather: Rain, thunder and lightning expected till Sunday
According to the IMD’s seven-day outlook, partly cloudy skies with intermittent rainfall will dominate Chennai’s weather pattern through the week.
On Thursday (9 October), the city is expected to witness moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning, with temperatures ranging between 34–35 degree Celsius and 26–27 degree Celsius.
Friday (10 October) and Saturday (11 October) will bring light to moderate showers in some areas, again accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Conditions are expected to stay warm and humid, with little temperature variation.
The pattern will continue through Sunday (12 October), which could see another round of light to moderate rain and thunder, marking the final day of significant weather warnings for the week.
Showers to ease from Monday onwards
The intensity of rainfall is likely to reduce from Monday (13 October) onwards. The IMD forecast suggests partly cloudy skies with only light rain in some pockets between 13 and 15 October, with no official weather warnings in place for these days.
Day temperatures are likely to remain around 35 degree Celsius, while nights will stay warm at 26–27 degree Celsius, keeping the air heavy and humid as the post-monsoon transition begins.
Chennai Weather: Areas likely to see waterlogging
Even short bursts of rain have been known to disrupt movement across several parts of Chennai. Civic officials have advised commuters to avoid low-lying and flood-prone stretches, particularly during the evening rush hours.
Areas that may face waterlogging or slow-moving traffic include:
- Velachery and Taramani: Prone to quick water accumulation near MRTS tracks and inner roads.
- T Nagar and GN Chetty Road: Frequently witness stagnant water due to poor drainage.
- Tambaram and Pallikaranai: Low-lying zones where drains overflow during heavy spells.
- Perambur and Vyasarpadi: Narrow roads often become slushy and congested after rainfall.
- Madhavaram and Kolathur: Residents have previously reported ankle-deep water even after moderate showers.
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has deployed emergency response teams to clear debris and monitor stormwater drains, especially in the southern and central zones.
Residents urged to stay alert
Authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors during heavy rain and avoid stepping out during lightning spells. The public is also advised to keep electronic devices unplugged, avoid sheltering under trees, and report any fallen wires or obstructions to the GCC helpline.
Chennai will remain under a week-long watch for thunderstorms, lightning and moderate rainfall till 12 October, followed by lighter showers until 15 October. While temperatures are expected to stay around 35 degree Celsius, the combination of humidity, cloudy skies and occasional heavy bursts could make travel tricky — especially for those in flood-prone areas.
