Tamil Nadu heavy rainfall alert: Thunderstorms, 40–50 kmph winds forecast for June 10–13
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal over the next several days, driven by a low-pressure circulation over South India. The weather bulletin, issued on 10 June, warns of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty surface winds reaching 40–50 kmph at several locations through 13 June.
Wednesday and Thursday Outlook
On Wednesday, 10 June, light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is likely across isolated parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal. Heavy rainfall is expected at one or two locations in the hilly regions of Tirunelveli, Theni, and Kanniyakumari districts.
The pattern is forecast to persist into Thursday, 11 June, with light to moderate rain at a few places and continued heavy showers in the hill areas of Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari. Strong winds are expected to accompany the showers on both days.
Intensification Expected in Western and Northern Tamil Nadu
Meteorologists have warned that rainfall is likely to intensify further across western and northern parts of the state in the coming days. The hill areas of Coimbatore district and the Nilgiris are among the regions flagged for heavy rainfall with thunderstorms. Isolated heavy showers are also anticipated in Vellore, Tirupattur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Erode, and Salem districts, with gusty winds in the 40–50 kmph range.
According to meteorologists, the prevailing weather pattern is linked to the low-pressure circulation over South India, which is drawing moisture into the region and creating favourable conditions for rain-bearing clouds.
Chennai Forecast
For Chennai and its suburbs, the RMC has forecast partly cloudy skies on Wednesday, with light rain and thunderstorms likely during the evening or night hours. The maximum temperature in the city is expected to hover between 38°C and 39°C, while the minimum is likely to remain around 30°C.
The weather department noted there is little likelihood of any significant change in maximum temperatures across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal between 10 June and 13 June, with daytime temperatures expected to remain near normal levels despite ongoing rainfall activity.
Safety Advisory
Residents across affected districts have been advised to exercise caution during thunderstorm activity, particularly in areas likely to experience strong winds and heavy rain. The combination of reduced visibility, lightning risk, and gusty winds poses a heightened hazard in hilly terrain. This comes amid the broader onset of the southwest monsoon season, when low-pressure systems over peninsular India typically drive the first sustained rainfall spells across the state.