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Chennai rains: IMD says northeast monsoon wet spell will continue in Tamil Nadu till 23 October

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Chennai rains are set to continue this weekend, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) saying the wet spell over Tamil Nadu and the rest of south peninsular India is likely to last till 23 October. The northeast monsoon rainfall began over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and nearby areas on 15 October 2026, the same day the southwest monsoon withdrew from the entire country, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai said. Heavy spells lashed the city overnight on Friday and again on Saturday evening.

Chennai rains: NASA Terra satellite view of monsoon clouds over Tamil Nadu on 17 October 2026
Chennai rains: NASA Terra satellite view of monsoon clouds over Tamil Nadu on 17 October 2026 Photo: NASA Worldview, EOSDIS (MODIS Terra imagery; public domain).

Chennai rains: how much fell in the city and state

According to the RMC’s daily weather report, the Chennai (Nungambakkam) observatory recorded 69.5 mm of rain in the 24 hours ending 8.30 am on 17 October, while the airport station at Meenambakkam recorded 37.2 mm. Rain fell at most places in Tamil Nadu and over Puducherry and Karaikal. The highest amount in the state was 148 mm at Uthiramerur in Kancheepuram district. In its national press release on 17 October, IMD said very heavy rainfall of 12 to 20 cm had been recorded over Tamil Nadu, Goa and Kerala in the previous 24 hours. The Hindu reported that nearly 84 weather stations in the state logged heavy rain in the same period.

Key Facts

  • Northeast monsoon rain began: 15 Oct 2026
  • Chennai (Nungambakkam): 69.5 mm in 24 hrs to 8.30 am, 17 Oct
  • Highest in state: 148 mm at Uthiramerur
  • Wet spell likely: till 23 Oct
  • Very heavy rain possible: 20 Oct

Northeast monsoon forecast for 18 to 23 October

IMD said an upper air cyclonic circulation over north Tamil Nadu and adjoining south coastal Andhra Pradesh was among the systems driving the rain. It forecast fairly widespread to widespread rainfall over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal from 17 to 23 October, with isolated thunderstorms and lightning. Isolated heavy rain is likely over the state on 18 and 19 October and again from 21 to 23 October, and isolated very heavy rain is possible on 20 October. For Chennai city, the RMC forecast a generally cloudy sky on Sunday with moderate rain, heavy at times, along with thunderstorms and lightning. Maximum temperatures are expected to stay around 32 to 33 degrees Celsius.

What residents should keep in mind

Heavy bursts of rain in a short time can flood low-lying roads and slow traffic, so residents are advised to follow district alerts and the RMC’s updates before travelling. IMD publishes district-wise warnings on its website, and the national bulletin is updated several times a day. V.R. Durai, head of the Regional Weather Forecasting Centre in Chennai, told The Hindu that many water-stressed delta and interior districts would continue to receive heavy rain till 23 October. For farmers in those districts, the early rain is welcome after a dry start to the month, but standing water in fields and streets remains a risk until the spell eases.

Why It Matters: The northeast monsoon brings most of Tamil Nadu's annual rain, so an active early spell matters for reservoirs, farms and flood planning in Chennai.

Also on TrendDesh: Chennai Port marks 145th Port Day after record 57.90 million tonnes of cargo in 2025-26 · El Nino 2026: NASA satellites track what may be the strongest El Nino since 1950

Source: IMD Chennai: Withdrawal of SW monsoon, commencement of NE monsoon (15 Oct 2026) · IMD press release, 17 Oct 2026 · IMD RMC Chennai daily weather report, 17 Oct 2026 · The Hindu, 17 Oct 2026

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