Fishermen along the Tamil Nadu coast were on Saturday, 24 October 2026 advised against venturing into the open sea for five days beginning Sunday, as a cyclonic storm is expected to develop over the Bay of Bengal, according to a weather advisory issued by the Chennai Meteorological Department. Several districts across Tamil Nadu are also likely to experience heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds in the coming days.

How the Weather System Developed

The Chennai weather department's bulletin stated that a weather system originally positioned over the Comorin region and adjoining southern Tamil Nadu and Kerala on 22 October had shifted toward the southeastern Arabian Sea and the neighbouring Lakshadweep region by 8:30 am IST on 23 October. An associated atmospheric trough extending toward the northern Tamil Nadu coast through Kerala — at approximately 1.5 km above sea level — has been influencing rainfall across the region, the department noted.

District-wise Rain Forecast

For 24 October, isolated heavy rain was forecast in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts, as well as the hill areas of Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, and Theni. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph were also predicted. Rain was expected across several other districts including Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Tenkasi, Madurai, Dindigul, Virudhunagar, and Tiruppur. Chennai and its neighbouring districts, the delta region, Puducherry, and Karaikal were also expected to receive showers.

On 25 October, isolated heavy rainfall is likely in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Perambalur, Ariyalur, and Tiruchirappalli. Thunderstorms and gusty winds may also affect Sivaganga, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, and Ranipet, besides several western and northern districts. Rain is forecast for Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, and parts of the Cauvery delta.

The department forecast a more intense spell on 26 October, with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, and Pudukkottai. Districts including Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruppur, Dindigul, and Virudhunagar could also receive heavy showers. Rain accompanied by thunder, lightning, and winds of 40–50 kmph is expected in parts of Thoothukudi, Perambalur, Ariyalur, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, and Tiruvannamalai, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal.

Five-day Ban on Fishing Activity

The fishing advisory, which runs from Sunday, 26 October through Thursday, 29 October, directly links the restriction to the anticipated intensification of the Bay of Bengal weather system. The advisory covers the open sea and urges all fishermen currently at sea to return to shore before the warning period begins. Moderate rainfall is expected at varying locations across Tamil Nadu throughout the three-day forecast period, the department added.

Broader Context and What to Watch

This comes amid the peak of the northeast monsoon season, when the Bay of Bengal is historically prone to cyclogenesis. The Tamil Nadu coast has faced repeated weather disruptions in recent weeks, with the Comorin area remaining a persistent area of low pressure. Authorities are expected to issue updated bulletins as the Bay of Bengal system strengthens. Coastal communities, fishermen's associations, and district administrations are urged to stay alert to revised advisories over the coming days.