Tamil Nadu weather: Severe cold & widespread rain continue; Tenkasi record 200 mm downpour
Tamil Nadu weather report | The intense wet spell, affecting districts including Chennai, Theni, Coimbatore, and the Nilgiris, is attributed to multiple weather systems active over the adjoining seas.
Chennai: Tamil Nadu is currently in the grip of an extended period of severe cold and widespread rainfall, with the southern district of Tenkasi recording an exceptional "double century” of 200 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours. The intense wet spell, affecting districts including Chennai, Theni, Coimbatore, and the Nilgiris, is attributed to multiple weather systems active over the adjoining seas.
Tamil Nadu Weather Alert: IMD Forecasts Continued Unrest
According to the Chennai Meteorological Department, the rainfall is being driven by atmospheric low-level circulations over the Lakshadweep-Kumari sea areas and the southwest Bay of Bengal off the Sri Lankan coast. The department has forecast light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in scattered parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal for today and tomorrow (January 2-3).
A brief dry spell is expected from January 4 to 6, but the wet weather is predicted to return with light rain in a few places on January 7. In Chennai and its suburbs, a partly cloudy sky with light early morning fog and isolated light rain has been forecast for today.
‘Tamil Nadu Weatherman’ Reports Record Rainfall
Private weather enthusiast Pradeep John, widely followed as the ‘Tamil Nadu Weatherman’, provided detailed insights on social media platform X. He reported that Tenkasi district received an extraordinary 200 mm of rainfall, likening it to a "double century” in cricketing terms.
"The highest rainfall in Tamil Nadu was recorded in the Sivasailam area of Tenkasi district," John stated, noting that the Kadananadhi dam area alone received 202 mm of rain by 4:30 AM today. The dam's water level is currently at 326 feet against a full capacity of 335 feet, with significant inflow and regulated discharge.
Heavy Downpour Across Southern Districts
The heavy rainfall was not confined to Tenkasi. John reported substantial precipitation in other regions:
- Theni District: Kotakudi (115 mm), Uppukottai (102.4 mm), Bodi (63 mm).
- Nilgiris District: Kotagiri (148.8 mm).
- Coimbatore District: Good rainfall in Pollachi, Anamalai, and surrounding areas.
- Other Areas: Significant rain was also recorded in locations like Ayan Dharmapuram, Sokkampatti, and Kadayanallur in Tenkasi district.
John noted that while Tenkasi may receive more rain today, it is unlikely to match yesterday’s intensity. He highlighted that Tenkasi was one of the districts with excess rainfall during the recent northeast monsoon and predicted that this trend of higher precipitation could continue into 2026.