Heavy rain alert for 5 Tamil Nadu districts on 22 June; thunderstorms likely
Synopsis
A cyclonic circulation over Rayalaseema is driving heavy rain, thunderstorms, and winds of up to 40 kmph across five Tamil Nadu districts on 22 June, with the RMC extending its rain outlook for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal all the way to 27 June. Residents near hills and water bodies have been placed on alert.
Key Takeaways
The RMC Chennai has forecast heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in five Tamil Nadu districts on 22 June .
Affected districts: Coimbatore (hill areas), Nilgiris , Dindigul , Theni , and Sivaganga .
Wind speeds could reach up to 40 kmph during thunderstorm activity.
A cyclonic circulation is persisting over Rayalaseema at 3.1 km to 4.5 km above mean sea level.
Rain is forecast across Tamil Nadu , Puducherry , and Karaikal until 27 June .
Chennai may see light rain with a maximum temperature near 38 degrees Celsius on Monday.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, has forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in five districts of Tamil Nadu on Monday, 22 June, as a cyclonic circulation persists over Rayalaseema and adjoining areas at altitudes between 3.1 km and 4.5 km above mean sea level.
Districts Under Alert
The RMC has predicted heavy rain at isolated places in the hill areas of Coimbatore district and in the districts of Nilgiris, Dindigul, Theni, and Sivaganga. These regions are likely to experience thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 40 kmph.
Meteorologists noted that prevailing atmospheric conditions are favourable for widespread rainfall activity across the state. Rain is forecast at several places in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal until 27 June.
What the Cyclonic Circulation Means
The cyclonic circulation currently positioned over Rayalaseema and adjoining areas is expected to continue influencing weather patterns across several parts of Tamil Nadu over the next few days. Such mid-tropospheric systems typically draw moisture from the Bay of Bengal, intensifying localised convective activity — particularly over elevated terrain in the western and southern parts of the state.
Weather officials said they would continue monitoring the evolving system and issue updated advisories if rainfall intensity increases in the coming days.
Chennai Weather Outlook
In Chennai and its suburbs, the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy on Monday, with light rain and thunderstorms possible during the day. Despite the showers, humidity levels are likely to remain relatively high. The maximum temperature in Chennai could touch around 38 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to remain close to seasonal norms.
Across Tamil Nadu, maximum temperatures are likely to remain near normal or slightly below normal until 25 June, with anticipated rainfall helping to moderate daytime heat — particularly in the western and southern districts.
Advisories for Residents and Farmers
Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas — particularly those living near water bodies and hilly regions — to remain alert and take necessary precautions during periods of intense rainfall and thunderstorms. Farmers and individuals engaged in outdoor activities have been urged to monitor weather updates closely and avoid exposure during peak storm hours.
Point of View
But the detail worth watching is the cyclonic circulation anchored over Rayalaseema — a system that has historically amplified rainfall over Tamil Nadu's western ghats and Nilgiris, where terrain-induced convection can turn moderate alerts into flash-flood situations quickly. The extended outlook to 27 June suggests the system is not dissipating fast. Authorities would do well to pre-position disaster response teams in Nilgiris and Theni, two districts with a documented history of landslides during sustained western-disturbance events. The Chennai maximum of 38 degrees Celsius alongside high humidity also flags heat-stress risk for outdoor workers, a dimension that weather advisories in India rarely address explicitly.
NationPress
22 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Tamil Nadu districts are under heavy rain alert on 22 June?
The RMC Chennai has forecast heavy rain for Coimbatore (hill areas), Nilgiris, Dindigul, Theni, and Sivaganga on 22 June. These districts are also likely to experience thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of up to 40 kmph.
What is causing the heavy rain in Tamil Nadu?
A cyclonic circulation persisting over Rayalaseema and adjoining areas at an altitude of 3.1 km to 4.5 km above mean sea level is the primary driver. This system is drawing moisture and creating favourable conditions for widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu.
How long will the rain continue in Tamil Nadu?
The RMC has forecast rain at several places in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal until 27 June. Weather officials have said they will issue updated advisories if rainfall intensity increases.
What is the weather forecast for Chennai on 22 June?
Chennai is expected to see a partly cloudy sky with light rain and thunderstorms possible during the day. The maximum temperature could touch around 38 degrees Celsius, and humidity levels are likely to remain high despite the showers.
What precautions have authorities advised?
Residents near water bodies and hilly regions have been advised to remain alert during intense rainfall and thunderstorms. Farmers and outdoor workers have been urged to monitor weather updates closely and avoid outdoor exposure during peak storm activity.
