Tamil Nadu rain, thunderstorm alert: Strong winds up to 50 kmph forecast Tuesday
Synopsis
The southwest monsoon has tightened its grip on Tamil Nadu, with the RMC flagging thunderstorms, lightning, and gusts up to 50 kmph for Tuesday — covering Western Ghats districts, Chennai and its suburbs, and extending into Puducherry. Unsettled weather is set to linger into Wednesday, with safety advisories urging residents to stay away from trees and avoid unnecessary travel.
Key Takeaways
The Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai has forecast rain with thunderstorms and lightning across parts of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, 22 September .
Surface winds of up to 50 kmph are expected in Western Ghats and southern Tamil Nadu districts.
Chennai , Kancheepuram , Chengalpattu , Tiruvallur , and Ranipet have been flagged for moderate rain and thunderstorms on Wednesday, 23 September .
Puducherry and Karaikal are also likely to receive light rain with thunderstorms.
Residents have been advised to avoid sheltering under trees or near weak structures; motorists warned of slippery roads and waterlogging.
Several parts of Tamil Nadu are likely to experience rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds on Tuesday, 22 September, as the southwest monsoon remains active over the region, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai has forecast. Gusty surface winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph are anticipated in affected areas, prompting safety advisories for residents and commuters.
Areas on Alert
According to the RMC forecast, one or two places in districts along the Western Ghats and southern Tamil Nadu are likely to receive light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning through the day. The neighbouring Union Territory of Puducherry and Karaikal may also see light rain with thunderstorms at isolated locations. Remaining districts across the state are not entirely spared, with scattered showers and lightning possible at one or two places.
Chennai and Neighbouring Districts
In Chennai, the sky is expected to stay partly cloudy during the day, with thunderstorms and moderate rain likely in parts of the city and its suburbs towards the evening or at night. Districts of Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet have also been flagged for moderate rain with thunderstorms at one or two places on Wednesday, 23 September. Motorists have been urged to exercise caution as rainfall could cause slippery roads, poor visibility, and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Wednesday Outlook and Continued Disruptions
Unsettled weather is expected to persist through Wednesday, with isolated places in the Western Ghats districts likely to receive moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds. While the rainfall offers some relief from prevailing heat and humidity, sudden spells of gusty winds could disrupt traffic and outdoor activities, particularly during evening and night hours. Fishermen and those engaged in outdoor work have been advised to closely monitor official weather updates.
Safety Advisories Issued
The Regional Meteorological Centre has urged residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms, specifically advising against taking shelter under trees or near weak structures. District administrations have been asked to stay alert to localised thunderstorms, lightning, and sudden strong winds. The weather department is continuing to monitor monsoon conditions and has indicated that further alerts will be issued if conditions intensify in any particular district. People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain, lightning, or strong winds.
Point of View
But the combination of 50 kmph gusts, lightning, and waterlogging-prone urban zones like Chennai makes this more than routine. What the forecast does not spell out is the cumulative drainage stress on low-lying city wards already hit earlier this season — that context is where public risk is highest, and where administration preparedness matters most. The advisory to 'avoid unnecessary travel' is prudent but vague; specific district-level red or orange warnings, when warranted, would sharpen public response far more effectively than blanket caution.
NationPress
22 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which parts of Tamil Nadu are most affected by the rain and thunderstorm forecast?
Districts along the Western Ghats and southern Tamil Nadu face the highest risk, with light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, lightning, and winds up to 50 kmph forecast for Tuesday, 22 September. Chennai and neighbouring districts including Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet are also flagged for Wednesday.
How strong are the winds expected during the Tamil Nadu thunderstorm?
The Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast strong surface winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph in affected areas of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday. Residents have been advised to stay away from trees and weak structures during these gusts.
Will Chennai experience rain and thunderstorms?
Yes. Chennai is expected to have partly cloudy skies during the day, with thunderstorms and moderate rain likely in parts of the city and its suburbs towards the evening or at night on Tuesday, 22 September.
Is the unsettled weather expected to continue beyond Tuesday?
Yes, the RMC has indicated that unsettled weather will persist through Wednesday, 23 September, with isolated moderate rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds expected particularly in Western Ghats districts and several Chennai-belt districts.
What safety precautions have authorities advised?
Residents have been asked not to shelter under trees or near weak structures during thunderstorms. Motorists should watch for slippery roads, poor visibility, and waterlogging. Fishermen and outdoor workers are advised to monitor official alerts closely, and people are urged to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rain or lightning.
