October 24, 2025 | Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Residents of Chennai and its surrounding districts are preparing for a fresh onslaught of heavy rainfall starting Sunday, October 26, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather alerts due to a cyclonic circulation forming over the southeast Bay of Bengal. The system, which has already triggered widespread showers across Tamil Nadu, is expected to intensify into a low-pressure area and potentially evolve into a cyclonic storm named "Montha" by October 27, bringing risks of flash floods and disruptions to daily life.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai, in its latest bulletin, forecasts heavy to very heavy downpours—exceeding 115 mm in 24 hours—in isolated pockets of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, and Villupuram districts from October 26 to 28. "The cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea and adjoining south Bay of Bengal is likely to move west-northwestwards, concentrating rainfall activity over coastal Tamil Nadu," IMD officials stated, urging the public to stay vigilant for urban flooding, especially in low-lying areas prone to waterlogging like Adyar, Perambur, and Ambattur.
This alert comes on the heels of the official onset of the northeast monsoon earlier this week, which has already drenched the state with moderate to heavy rains, replenishing reservoirs but straining infrastructure. The IMD's five-day outlook predicts light to moderate showers continuing through Saturday, October 25, before escalating over the weekend, with wind speeds potentially gusting up to 40-50 kmph along the coast. Fisherfolk have been advised to refrain from venturing into the sea until further notice, as rough conditions could prevail.
Tamil Nadu's disaster management teams are on high alert, with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin directing district collectors to activate control rooms and preposition relief materials. "We are monitoring the situation closely; schools and colleges may consider holidays if conditions worsen, and the public should avoid unnecessary travel," a government spokesperson said. The Chennai Corporation has deployed additional pumps and desilting crews to mitigate flooding on major roads like Anna Salai and Mount Road, drawing lessons from last year's deluge.
Experts link the system's rapid development to warmer sea surface temperatures and lingering southwest monsoon troughs, a pattern increasingly common with climate change. "While beneficial for agriculture, such events test our urban resilience—early warnings and community preparedness are key," noted climate researcher Dr. S. Janakarajan from Madras University.
As umbrellas sprout across the city and apps buzz with real-time updates, Chennai's 12 million residents are heeding the call to stock essentials and secure homes. For the latest advisories, check imd.gov.in or local RMC channels—hoping the rains bring bounty without the brunt.
For More News Updates Follow Us On Www.tconews.in
