Tamil Nadu heavy rain alert: 10 districts on watch on 24 May
Synopsis
A Bay of Bengal atmospheric circulation is pushing heavy to very heavy rain into Tamil Nadu, with 10 districts on alert on 24 May and the system forecast to intensify over the following days, covering nearly 20 districts by 25 May. Residents in hilly and flood-prone zones have been told to stay on guard.
Key Takeaways
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Tamil Nadu on 24 May , driven by an atmospheric circulation over the southeast Bay of Bengal .
10 districts — including Nilgiris, Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi , and Namakkal — are on alert today.
Rainfall is forecast to intensify over the next few days, expanding to nearly 20 districts including Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Madurai, Theni , and Tiruchy .
On 26 May , isolated heavy rain is expected in hilly districts and southern Tamil Nadu including Tirunelveli, Tenkasi , and Kanniyakumari .
Chennai is forecast to see light to moderate rain in the evening or night; temperatures across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to remain near normal.
An atmospheric circulation over the southeast Bay of Bengal and its adjoining central areas is set to trigger widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu over the coming days, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai warned on 24 May. The weather system is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall to multiple districts, with authorities urging residents in vulnerable zones to stay alert.
Districts on Alert Today
For 24 May, the RMC has placed 10 districts on heavy rainfall alert: Nilgiris, Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, and Namakkal. Officials have cautioned residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas about the risk of localised flooding and disruption to daily life.
Intensifying Rainfall Over the Next Few Days
The RMC has forecast that rainfall activity will intensify further in the days ahead. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across a wider belt of districts — including Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Ranipet, Perambalur, Tiruchy, Karur, Dindigul, Theni, and Madurai — in addition to the districts already on alert. The same pattern is projected to persist the following day, with many of these districts likely to receive intense downpours.
Outlook for 26 May
On 26 May, the weather department has forecast isolated heavy rainfall over the hilly regions of Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts, along with Nilgiris, Theni, Dindigul, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, and Kanniyakumari. The focus shifts toward the southern and hilly zones as the weather system gradually moves.
Chennai Forecast and Temperature Outlook
Chennai can expect a partly cloudy sky with light to moderate rain likely during the evening or night hours on 24 May. Intermittent showers and cloud cover are expected to keep conditions relatively pleasant. Notably, despite the widespread rain activity, the RMC has said there is unlikely to be any significant change in maximum temperatures across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with mercury levels expected to remain close to normal.
Advisory for Residents
Authorities have urged residents — particularly those in hilly terrain and waterlogging-prone localities — to monitor weather updates regularly and take necessary precautions. The RMC is expected to issue updated bulletins as the weather system evolves over the Bay of Bengal.
Point of View
And this circulation fits a recurring pattern where such systems intensify before the southwest monsoon's formal onset. What stands out here is the geographic spread — from the Nilgiris in the northwest to Kanniyakumari in the deep south — suggesting a broad, sustained event rather than a localised spell. Authorities would do well to pre-position relief and ensure drainage infrastructure in chronic waterlogging zones like parts of Chennai and the Nilgiris is cleared, given that even 'normal' heavy rainfall in these areas has historically caused disproportionate disruption.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which districts in Tamil Nadu are on heavy rain alert on 24 May?
The RMC Chennai has placed 10 districts on heavy rainfall alert on 24 May: Nilgiris, Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tirupattur, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, and Namakkal. Residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas in these districts have been urged to exercise caution.
What is causing the heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu?
An atmospheric circulation prevailing over the southeast Bay of Bengal and its adjoining central parts is the primary driver of the widespread rainfall activity across Tamil Nadu. The RMC expects this system to intensify further over the coming days.
Will the rain spread to more districts in the coming days?
Yes, the RMC has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across nearly 20 districts — including Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Madurai, Theni, Tiruchy, Karur, and Dindigul — over 24 and 25 May. On 26 May, isolated heavy rain is expected in hilly regions and southern districts including Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Kanniyakumari.
What is the weather forecast for Chennai on 24 May?
Chennai is expected to have a partly cloudy sky with light to moderate rainfall likely during the evening or night hours on 24 May. Intermittent showers and cloud cover should keep conditions relatively pleasant for the city.
Will temperatures change significantly due to the rain in Tamil Nadu?
No. Despite the widespread rainfall, the weather department has said there is unlikely to be any significant change in maximum temperatures across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Temperatures are expected to remain close to normal levels.
