Chennai, Alert! Rains To Get Heavier From Today As NE Monsoon Intensifies, To Drench City Till…

Chennai: As the Northeast Monsoon inches closer, Chennai and its neighbouring districts are set to be drenched in soaking rains and thunderstorms. As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the seasonal showers could make their grand entry between October 16 and 18, marking the official onset of the monsoon across Tamil Nadu and adjoining Andhra Pradesh.Chennai Weather: Monsoon Knock at the DoorWith the setting of east-northeasterly winds and a moisture surge from the Bay of Bengal, Chennai’s skies are gearing up for a wet spell. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that rainfall will begin increasing from October 15, with fairly widespread showers from October 16 onwards. The enhanced rainfall activity is being driven by a Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)-induced westerly wind burst over the equatorial Indian Ocean, which is expected to trigger an area of circulation over the Comorin Sea.As moisture-laden easterlies reach the coast, the city can expect overcast skies, evening thunderstorms, and intermittent downpours, a familiar sign of the returning monsoon.Also Read: Chennai Now Braces For Northeast Monsoon? Continuous Rainfall Signal Onset – How Long Will It Last?Rain Forecast for ChennaiAccording to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, the coming week promises a mix of thunderous evenings and steady showers.October 14: Partly cloudy skies with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in some areas.October 15–17: Moderate rain accompanied by lightning and thunder is expected across several parts of the city.October 18–19: The intensity may slightly ease, but light to moderate rainfall will likely continue.Daytime temperatures are expected to hover between 31°C and 33°C, while the minimum will remain around 26–27°C, keeping the air humid and muggy.Low Pressure Brewing in the BayMeteorologists are also monitoring the formation of a low-pressure area expected to develop over the South Bay of Bengal around October 22–23. Emerging from an east-west shear zone, this system could further intensify, prolonging the wet conditions over coastal Tamil Nadu and possibly triggering another round of heavy showers towards the end of October.What Residents Should Brace ForWhile the rains are a relief after the dry spell, they might bring familiar monsoon troubles, waterlogging, traffic snarls, and occasional power cuts. Low-lying areas across Chennai, including Velachery, T. Nagar, and parts of North Chennai, are prone to water accumulation even during moderate spells. Residents are advised to charge electronic devices in advance, avoid venturing out during thunderstorms, and stay updated through IMD’s weather bulletins.With the Northeast Monsoon finally set to drench the city, Chennaiites can expect a blend of romance and inconvenience — where the soothing rains bring relief, but also demand a dose of preparedness.