Chennai: The Chennai residents woke up to the steady drumming of rain on Friday morning as an unexpected moderate downpour drenched the city, catching many commuters off guard. The early morning showers, which began in the hours before dawn, led to immediate waterlogging on several key roads and disrupted normal life. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has attributed this spell of wet weather to a significant change in the speed of the westerly winds moving across the region.
Widespread Rainfall Forecast Across the State
The meteorological office has issued a forecast indicating that the rainfall activity is not confined to the capital city alone. A weather alert is in effect until 8 a.m. today for a total of 31 districts in Tamil Nadu where light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely. The districts expected to receive rainfall include Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, and Cuddalore in the north, and extends to several southern districts such as Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari. The list is comprehensive, also covering central and western districts like Tiruchirappalli, Salem, Karur, Dharmapuri, and Krishnagiri, suggesting a widespread weather event impacting a large portion of the state.
City Experiences Waterlogging, Moderate Rains to Continue
Within Chennai, the moderate rains lashed neighborhoods across the city. Areas including Nanganallur, Alandur, Meenambakkam, Vadapalani, Ashok Nagar, Guindy, and Velachery in the south reported consistent rainfall. Central localities such as Egmore, Vepery, Kodambakkam, Saidapet, and the Marina area also experienced the showers. The precipitation led to instant challenges for morning commuters as water accumulated on several arterial roads, slowing down traffic.
Early morning thunderstorms over #Chennai city pic.twitter.com/KQLt575RPz
— Chennai Weather-Raja Ramasamy (@chennaiweather) August 22, 2025
Chennai Weather Forecast Today
The IMD’s Chennai center has predicted that the city itself can expect light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in a few places throughout the day. The maximum temperature is expected to settle around 35 degrees Celsius, while the minimum will likely be between 27 and 28 degrees Celsius, offering some respite from the usual heat.
Meanwhile, private weather blogger K Srikanth of Chennai rains predicted that “City areas of Chennai has started clearing, the storms that gave intense rains over the city areas now over the southern suburbs, OMR and ECR. These places should see rains continue for the next 30 to 45 minutes before clearing. Parents of school going children take adequate precautions while sending your kids to school as some places may be water logged due to the intensity of rains.”