Chennai, October 27, 2025: The Northeast Monsoon has tightened its grip over Tamil Nadu, with the formation of Cyclone Montha in the Bay of Bengal prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for the northern coastal regions.
The brewing storm, currently centered approximately 720 kilometers away from Chennai, is expected to approach the coast in the coming days, significantly enhancing rainfall activity. The IMD has forecast that the system will intensify into a named cyclone within the next 12 hours. This development has raised concerns among authorities, as the state has already been experiencing daily downpours since the onset of the Northeast Monsoon on October 16, leading to rapidly rising water levels in reservoirs and flood situations in several rivers.
Chennai Weather: Orange Alert Sounds as Heavy Rain Targets Key Northern Districts
In its official announcement for today, Monday, October 27, the IMD has warned of widespread light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning across North Tamil Nadu, South Tamil Nadu, and the union territory of Puducherry and Karaikal. The forecast specifically highlights a threat of heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in the districts of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, and Kanchipuram. Additionally, heavy rainfall is likely in the districts of Chengalpattu and Villupuram, as well as Puducherry.
Residents in these regions have also been advised to brace for strong surface winds, likely to gust at speeds of 30 to 40 kilometers per hour. The weather conditions in Chennai today are expected to remain grim, with a generally cloudy sky and periods of heavy to very heavy rain and thunderstorms. The city is likely to see a maximum temperature of around 31° Celsius and a minimum of 25° Celsius.
TN Rains: Widespread Rains to Persist with Southern Districts Joining the Fray
The intense rainfall activity is predicted to continue into Tuesday, October 28, with the spatial focus shifting slightly. While light to moderate rains will persist across many parts of the state, the warning for heavy to very heavy rain is now concentrated on Tiruvallur district. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall is anticipated in a wider set of districts, including Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, and Ranipet in the north, and extending to Tenkasi, the hilly areas of Tirunelveli district, and Kanyakumari in the southern part of the state.
Looking further ahead from Wednesday, October 29, through Saturday, November 1, the weather system is expected to gradually weaken. The IMD predicts a return to light to moderate rainfall at a few places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, providing potential relief from the current torrential downpour. However, with Cyclone Montha’s approach, authorities remain on high alert, closely monitoring the situation and urging citizens to stay informed through official channels.
Tamil Nadu Weatherman Post
The escalating situation has been underscored by private weather blogger Pradeep John, popularly known as the Tamil Nadu Weatherman, who confirmed that a relentless spell of heavy rain is set to lash Chennai and its neighbouring districts starting this morning.
Weatherman Pradeep John reports a strong consensus among models on Cyclcone Montha’s W-NW track, with landfall expected near Kakinada. Heavy rains are guaranteed for Pulicat, Gummidipoondi, Ponneri, and Chennai. However, John notes the uncertainty about whether Chennai will receive a final, heavy spell of at least 100 mm before the monsoon takes a break. Clarity on this potential “Heavy Rain” is expected later today or tonight.