A fresh weather system is likely to sustain heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu till October 26
Rainfall was also reported at several places in and around Chennai on Tuesday. | Photo credit: B. VELANKANNI RAJ
A fresh system expected to form over the Bay of Bengal on Wednesday (21 October 2026) is likely to maintain heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu till 26 October. The southern and delta regions are likely to have an edge over the northern regions in terms of heavy downpours.
The Regional Meteorological Center (RMC) has predicted that a low pressure area will form over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Tamil Nadu coast on Wednesday. The rainfall that lashed northern coastal areas a few days ago is likely to move south and inland. The RMC has issued orange warnings for several southern districts, including Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi, as heavy to very heavy rainfall of up to 20 cm may occur on Wednesday and Thursday (October 22, 2026).
While fairly extensive moderate rainfall may cover most parts of the state till October 26, southern and delta districts including Nagapattinam, Theni and Ramanathapuram may experience heavy rainfall on Wednesday. Many inland districts like Madurai and Karur, which were experiencing sizzling temperatures just a few days ago, may also witness heavy rainfall this week.
A strong northeast monsoon has helped wipe out the rainfall deficit this month, with the state recording a 12% surplus so far. Various places like Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Coimbatore and Cuddalore received light to moderate rain till 6:00 PM on Tuesday (October 20, 2026). Rainfall was also reported at several places in and around Chennai.
VR Durai, head of the regional weather forecasting centre, said weather conditions were also being monitored due to isolated extremely heavy rainfall in southern districts. While another low pressure area was expected to spawn over the Bay of Bengal around Friday (October 23, 2026), it may not have a significant rainfall impact over Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, the weather system over the Arabian Sea will maintain its intensity as a well-marked area of low pressure and move towards the coast of Somalia by Thursday. Prevailing strong El Niño conditions were among the factors contributing to warmer offshore conditions and the formation of interconnected weather systems. However, none of the associated weather systems are expected to intensify into a cyclone, Mr. Durai added.
The RMC has predicted that some areas of Chennai will receive moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning on Wednesday.
Published – 20 October 2026 23:45 IST