IMD Issues Heavy Rainfall Alert for Chennai and 25 Tamil Nadu Districts; Red Alert in Kerala for October 22-23

Heavy rain battered Chennai and several parts of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, with the IMD forecasting more intense showers in isolated areas over the next 48 hours. A total of 25 districts are on alert. Meanwhile, Kerala is also on high alert with red, orange and yellow warnings issued for multiple districts due to the risk of extremely heavy rainfall.

Chennai Rains: IMD Issues Red Alert For 25 Districts in Tamil Nadu; Check List

Of these 25 districts, eight have been placed on red alert, meaning a threat of extremely heavy rainfall. The districts under this category are Ramanathapuram, Pudukkottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore and Villupuram, along with the Union Territories of Puducherry and Karaikal. The red alert signals a likelihood of rainfall higher than 204.4 mm in 24 hours and possible flooding.

A further ten districts have been classified under an orange alert (heavy to very heavy rain). These include Ariyalur, Perambalur, Kallakurichi, Chengalpattu, Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari. Meanwhile, a yellow alert (moderate to heavy rain) remains in force for seven districts, including parts of Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai and the neighbouring Puducherry region.

In Chennai city itself, intermittent spells of moderate to heavy rainfall are expected, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. For Tuesday, the maximum temperature is forecast to hover around 28 °C, with a minimum of 24-25 °C. The RMC cautioned that widespread rains and gusty winds are likely over the next two days as the rain‑bearing system strengthens and moves toward the Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and South Andhra Pradesh coasts.

Rainfall data for the previous day revealed some particularly heavy downpours: Thangachimadam (Ramanathapuram district) recorded 17 cm, followed by Pamban (15 cm), Mandapam (14 cm), Varattupallam (Erode, 13 cm) and both Velankanni (Nagapattinam) and Annamalai Nagar (Cuddalore) recorded 10 cm each. Other figures include Chidambaram (Cuddalore) 10 cm, Medavakkam (Chennai Zone 14) 10 cm, Rameswaram (Ramanathapuram) 9 cm, Okkiyam Thoraipakkam (Chennai Zone 15) 9 cm, and Sirkali (Mayiladuthurai) 8 cm. Several areas in Tiruvarur, Parangipettai, Mayiladuthurai and Karaikal recorded around 7 cm each.

Red Alert in Kerala For October 22: Check Districts-wise Details

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted significant rainfall across Kerala, prompting various weather alerts. On October 22, a Red Alert is in place for Idukki, Palakkad, and Malappuram due to the likelihood of extremely heavy rain. This alert indicates rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm within a day, potentially causing floods and landslides. Residents should stay informed through official channels and take necessary precautions.

In addition to the Red Alert, an Orange Alert is issued for several districts on October 22. These include Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. The IMD advises residents in these areas to remain cautious and prepared for adverse weather conditions.

IMD Weather Alerts for October 23: Orange Alert in Kerala

On October 23, the IMD has extended Orange Alerts to Kannur and Kasaragod districts. Authorities stress the importance of vigilance in regions susceptible to landslides and flash floods. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from reliable sources and adhere to safety guidelines.

The IMD also highlighted that the rain‑bearing system is expected to further intensify and travel inland, bringing additional rainfall and strong winds. Fishermen and coastal residents have been advised to stay ashore until further notice. The weather department urged everyone in the affected districts to remain vigilant, avoid low‑lying and flood‑prone areas, and follow advisories from disaster management authorities.