Chennai welcomes rains. IMD forecast rainy week ahead for the city and Tamil Nadu

Chennai rains was one of the top trends in social media platforms as netizens shared videos after the city received some rainfall. Chennai and nearby districts experienced light to moderate rainfall, offering a respite from the intense heat. Several other regions of Tamil Nadu also saw showers, much to the delight of residents. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted continued light to moderate rainfall in many areas, with isolated heavy rains expected until May 19. This weather pattern is due to an upper air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjacent south Sri Lanka. Additionally, the IMD predicts isolated very heavy rainfall in parts of southern Tamil Nadu and the Western Ghats. Throughout the week, southern and western Tamil Nadu have been receiving rain, including the Cauvery delta districts.

IMD's Chennai weather forecast

• On May 16, temperatures will range from 25.0°C to 36.0°C, with a partly cloudy sky and the possibility of moderate rain or thunderstorms.
• May 17 will see temperatures between 24.0°C and 35.0°C, with a generally cloudy sky and light rain.
• May 18 will also have temperatures from 24.0°C to 35.0°C, with a generally cloudy sky and light rain.
• On May 19, expect a partly cloudy sky, with temperatures ranging from 24.0°C to 35.0°C.
• May 20 will have a generally cloudy sky with light rain, with temperatures from 25.0°C to 36.0°C.
• On May 21, the weather will be partly cloudy, with temperatures between 25.0°C and 36.0°C.
• May 22 will also feature a partly cloudy sky, with temperatures ranging from 25.0°C to 36.0°C.

Tamil Nadu weather forecast

Acattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (40-50 kmph), is expected over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, Mahe, Lakshadweep, and Karnataka, according to IMD. Isolated light to moderate rainfall, with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30-40 kmph), is likely over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Telangana, and Rayalaseema over the next seven days.



The IMD on Wednesday announced that the southwest monsoon is expected to arrive in Kerala around May 31, with a possible variation of four days. This timing is close to the usual date. The IMD had previously predicted above-normal rainfall for this monsoon season, anticipating the onset of favorable La Niña conditions by August-September. This prediction is a relief for India, which faced extreme heat in April, breaking temperature records in several states and adversely affecting health and livelihoods. The heat has strained power grids and depleted water bodies, creating drought-like conditions in some areas.