IMD issues heavy rain alert for Nilgiris, Theni, Dindigul in Tamil Nadu
Synopsis
The IMD has put Nilgiris, Theni, and Dindigul on heavy rain alert for 28 June, driven by an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal. With the Nilgiris — historically vulnerable to landslides — under a two-day watch and Coimbatore hills also flagged, the warning covers some of Tamil Nadu's most risk-prone terrain at the height of the monsoon season.
Key Takeaways
The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall with strong winds in Nilgiris , Theni , and Dindigul districts on Sunday, 28 June .
The higher reaches of Coimbatore district are also under a heavy rain alert; residents in landslide-prone areas advised to stay cautious.
An upper-air cyclonic circulation over the west-central Bay of Bengal is driving the weather system, expected to persist through Monday .
Moderate rain forecast for 9 northern districts including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Vellore.
Chennai maximum temperature expected around 37 degrees Celsius ; partly cloudy skies with intermittent showers likely.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds across parts of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, 28 June, with Nilgiris, Theni, and Dindigul districts expected to bear the brunt of intense showers. The alert follows an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh, which meteorologists say is driving the current spell of rain activity.
Districts Under Alert
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has specifically warned of heavy rain with gusty winds in Nilgiris, Theni, and Dindigul on Sunday. The higher reaches of Coimbatore district are also expected to experience heavy showers, with residents in landslide-prone and waterlogging-vulnerable areas advised to exercise caution.
Moderate rainfall has additionally been forecast for several northern districts — including Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupathur, Tiruvannamalai, and Villupuram — where intermittent showers are expected to provide some relief from warm conditions, though widespread heavy rain is not anticipated.
What the Weather System Looks Like
According to the IMD, favourable atmospheric conditions are expected to sustain rain activity across multiple regions of the state over the next two days. The upper-air cyclonic circulation is the primary driver, and its persistence means the Nilgiris and Coimbatore hill regions are likely to continue receiving heavy rain with strong winds into Monday as well.
Notably, the Nilgiris — a district with a history of landslides during heavy monsoon spells — remains under sustained watch. This comes amid an active southwest monsoon season that has already brought above-normal rainfall to several parts of peninsular India.
Chennai Forecast
For Chennai, the IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies with moderate rain likely at a few places during the day on Sunday. The maximum temperature in the city is expected to hover around 37 degrees Celsius, with the minimum likely to remain close to seasonal levels. Humid conditions are expected to persist despite the rain keeping daytime temperatures in check.
Advisory for Residents and Travellers
Meteorologists have urged the public — particularly those travelling through hilly terrain — to stay updated with official weather bulletins and remain alert to the possibility of heavy rain, gusty winds, and localised disruptions. Residents in areas prone to landslides and waterlogging in the Nilgiris and Coimbatore hill regions have been specifically advised to take precautions.
The IMD is expected to issue updated bulletins as the weather system evolves over the next 48 hours.
Point of View
Theni, and Dindigul is routine in form but serious in context — the Nilgiris has a documented history of landslides during intense monsoon spells, and a two-day sustained warning for the same geography warrants more than a standard advisory. What mainstream coverage often underplays is the cumulative risk: back-to-back heavy rain days on already-saturated hill slopes elevate landslide probability significantly. The broader pattern of an active Bay of Bengal circulation sustaining rain over peninsular India also signals that this is not an isolated event but part of a wider monsoon intensification that could affect multiple states in the coming week.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which districts in Tamil Nadu are under heavy rain alert on 28 June?
The IMD has issued a heavy rain alert with gusty winds for Nilgiris, Theni, and Dindigul districts on Sunday, 28 June. The hill areas of Coimbatore district are also expected to receive heavy rainfall.
What is causing the heavy rain in Tamil Nadu?
An upper-air cyclonic circulation over the west-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh is driving the current spell of heavy rainfall across parts of Tamil Nadu, according to the IMD.
Will the heavy rain continue beyond Sunday?
Yes, according to the IMD, the Nilgiris and Coimbatore hill regions are likely to continue receiving heavy rain accompanied by strong winds on Monday as the weather system persists.
What is the weather forecast for Chennai on 28 June?
Chennai can expect partly cloudy skies with moderate rain at a few places during the day. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 37 degrees Celsius, with humid conditions likely to persist.
What precautions has the IMD advised for residents?
The IMD has advised the public, especially those travelling through hilly regions, to stay updated with official weather bulletins and exercise caution due to the risk of heavy rain, gusty winds, and localised disruptions such as landslides and waterlogging.
