IMD issues 7-day heavy rain alert for Tamil Nadu; storms, gusty winds forecast
Synopsis
The IMD has put Tamil Nadu on a seven-day rain watch, with a low-pressure trough stretching from Rajasthan to the Comorin region driving thunderstorms and gusty winds. The most intense spell is expected between 5 and 8 May, even as Chennai bakes at 39–40°C — a rare and uncomfortable mix of heat and heavy rain hitting the state simultaneously.
Key Takeaways
The IMD has issued a seven-day heavy rainfall alert for Tamil Nadu starting 3 May 2025 .
A low-pressure trough from western Rajasthan to the Comorin region at 0.9 km altitude is driving the weather system.
Rainfall is forecast to intensify between 5 and 8 May across multiple districts.
Districts including Nilgiris , Coimbatore , Theni , Madurai , and Tiruchirappalli are among those under heavy rain forecast.
Chennai temperatures expected between 39°C and 40°C with high humidity, causing discomfort despite cloud cover.
Fishermen warned against venturing into the northwest and northeast Bay of Bengal due to squally winds up to 65 kmph .
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a seven-day heavy rainfall alert for Tamil Nadu, warning of thunderstorms and gusty winds across the state from Saturday, 3 May through 8 May 2025. The alert is linked to a low-pressure trough extending from western Rajasthan to the Comorin region at an altitude of around 0.9 km, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai.
The Weather System Behind the Alert
The trough runs across east Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Telangana, Rayalaseema, and interior Tamil Nadu, creating favourable conditions for widespread rainfall. IMD officials say the alignment of this trough is a key driver of the prolonged wet spell forecast for the state.
On Saturday evening, moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is likely at several places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. Isolated heavy rainfall has been forecast for districts including the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Karur, and Tiruchirappalli.
District-wise Forecast for Coming Days
On Sunday, heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places in the hilly regions of Coimbatore and Tiruppur, as well as in Theni and Dindigul districts. Several interior districts — including Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Tiruchirappalli, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruvannamalai, Karur, and Kallakurichi — are also likely to receive heavy showers over the next few days.
The IMD has further warned that rainfall activity could intensify between 5 May and 8 May, with heavy spells expected in multiple parts of the state. This escalation window is of particular concern for hill districts already receiving significant precipitation.
Heat and Humidity Discomfort in Chennai and Coastal Areas
Despite the rainfall, the IMD said there is unlikely to be any significant change in maximum temperatures across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal over the next two days, though a slight increase cannot be ruled out. High humidity combined with elevated temperatures may lead to considerable discomfort in coastal areas.
In Chennai, the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy on both Saturday and Sunday. The maximum temperature is likely to hover between 39°C and 40°C, while the minimum temperature may remain around 29°C to 30°C. Weather officials have cautioned that the combination of heat and humidity could cause significant discomfort to residents.
Fishermen Warning: Stay Away from Rough Seas
The IMD has also issued a separate advisory for fishermen. Squally winds with speeds of 45–55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, are likely over the north coastal Andhra Pradesh region, the northwest Bay of Bengal, and the adjoining northeast Bay of Bengal. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into these areas until conditions improve. This is a standard precautionary measure issued whenever sea conditions deteriorate to unsafe levels along India's eastern coastline.
Point of View
A combination that poses genuine health risks for outdoor workers and coastal communities. The fishermen advisory also deserves wider attention: squally conditions in the Bay of Bengal during pre-monsoon transitions are historically underreported until a tragedy forces coverage.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the IMD issued a heavy rain alert for Tamil Nadu?
The IMD issued the alert due to a low-pressure trough extending from western Rajasthan to the Comorin region at around 0.9 km altitude, creating conditions favourable for widespread rainfall. The trough passes through several states including Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and interior Tamil Nadu.
Which districts in Tamil Nadu are most affected by the rain forecast?
Districts under heavy rainfall forecast include the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Tiruvannamalai, and Kallakurichi. Hilly regions are expected to receive the heaviest spells.
When will the rainfall in Tamil Nadu be at its most intense?
According to the IMD, rainfall activity is expected to intensify between 5 May and 8 May 2025, with heavy spells forecast across multiple parts of the state during that window.
What is the weather forecast for Chennai this weekend?
Chennai is expected to remain partly cloudy on Saturday and Sunday, with maximum temperatures between 39°C and 40°C and minimum temperatures of 29°C to 30°C. High humidity combined with elevated temperatures is likely to cause discomfort for residents.
Why have fishermen been warned, and which sea areas are affected?
The IMD has warned fishermen due to squally winds of 45–55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, over the north coastal Andhra Pradesh region and the northwest and northeast Bay of Bengal. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into these areas until conditions improve.
