The spell of wet weather is expected to continue till October 26, 2026 with a low pressure area forming over southwest Bay of Bengal off Tamil Nadu during early hours of Wednesday (October 21).
Updated - October 21, 2026 06:53 pm IST
As the Northeast monsoon intensifies across Tamil Nadu, Ramanathapuram witnessed torrential rains on October 21, 2026 | Photo Credit: L. Balachandar
A holiday was declared for schools in five districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, on Wednesday (October 21, 2026), owing to heavy rain, according to district authorities.
Several areas in and around Chennai received heavy overnight downpour, with MGR Nagar in Chennai topping the charts with 15 cm in the 24- hour period ending 8.30 a.m. on Wednesday, according to Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) data. Multiple weather systems over the Bay of Bengal are expected to sustain intense rainfall across the State this week, RMC said.
Also read: Fresh weather system likely to sustain heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu till October 26
Tamil Nadu Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources N. Anand inspected areas affected by waterlogging due to heavy rains in his T. Nagar Assembly constituency in Chennai.. He said the ongoing Metro Rail works had led to water stagnation in several parts of T. Nagar.
Read key updates here:
October 21, 2026 18:26
Make hay while the sun shines, or not
Vellore roads turn busy with seasonal sales of rain gear.
October 21, 2026 17:56
Thoothukudi's waterlogged saltpans
October 21, 2026 17:47
Showers in Ramanathapuram
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October 21, 2026 17:30
Tamil Nadu government mandates repair of rainwater harvesting structures
Households across Tamil Nadu to face an immediate mandate to inspect, clean, and repair all rainwater harvesting structures as the Northeast monsoon rains have started in full measure.
Northeast monsoon preparedness: Tamil Nadu government mandates repair of rainwater harvesting structures
Tamil Nadu mandates immediate inspection and repair of rainwater harvesting systems, with top-level monitoring to ensure widespread participation and groundwater recharge.
October 21, 2026 14:21
Warning to residents along Palar river in Vellore
An integrated control room to register rain related complaints has been opened at the Collectorate in Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur and Tiruvannamalai districts on Wednesday (October 21, 2026).
Residents in villages along the banks of Palar River in Vellore have been urged to avoid crossing the river and those in low-lying areas have been told to relocate to government-run shelter homes or other safer places away from the riverbank.
Integrated control room for rain-related complaints opened in Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur and Tiruvannamalai
Integrated control rooms in Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, and Tiruvannamalai handle rain-related complaints and safety helplines.
October 21, 2026 13:49
Overnight rains and potholes in Salem
Potholes pose threat for motorists in Salem
Salem, Tamil Nadu 21/10/2026: Standalone: Water leakage from a pipeline and rainwater stagnation at the Udayapatti Road Junction have led to the formation of large pits, posing a threat to motorists in Salem in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, 21 October 2026. Photo: LAKSHMI NARAYANAN E / THE HINDU
October 21, 2026 13:37
Chennai Mayor Priya holds inspection
On Wedensday (October 21, 2026), Chennai Mayor R. Priya inspected the ongoing stormwater drain works in the Basin Bridge area in the Greater Chennai Corporation’s Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar Zone.
October 21, 2026 13:17
In Chennai, MGR Nagar receives highest overnight rains at 15 cm
Several areas in and around Chennai received heavy overnight downpour on October 20 (Tuesday). According to Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), MGR Nagar in Chennai topped the charts with 15 cm in the 24-hour period ending 8.30 a.m. on October 21 (Wednesday).
Rainfall recorded across Chennai:
- Vadapalani - 14 cm
- Saidapet, Meenambakkam, Alandur, Kancheepuram - 13 cm each
- DGP office, Madipakkam, Valasaravakkam, Maduravoyal - 12 cm each
- Nungambakkam, Nerkundram, Adyar - 11 cm each
- Korattur - 10 cm
- Ambattur, Saligramam, Puzhal, R.A. Puram, Ayapakkam, YMCA Nandanam, Parrys , Anna University, Manali, Anna Nagar West and Pozhichalur - 9 cm each
— K. Lakshmi
October 21, 2026 13:12
Wet weather in T.N. to continue till October 26
The Northeast monsoon has shifted into a vigorous phase, bringing intense spells of rain overnight across Tamil Nadu, particularly the north coastal districts.
The spell of wet weather is expected to continue till October 26, 2026 with a low pressure area forming over southwest Bay of Bengal off Tamil Nadu during early hours of Wednesday (October 21).
Northeast monsoon gathers momentum in Tamil Nadu; unleashes another round of downpours over Chennai
Northeast monsoon intensifies in Tamil Nadu with heavy to very heavy rains forecast across districts, continuing till Oct 26, 2026.
October 21, 2026 12:40
Chennai records below-normal maximum temperatures amid widespread rain
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, Nungambakkam recorded a maximum temperature of 30.9°C (1.1°C below normal) and Chennai Airport 31.4°C (0.6°C below normal) in the 24 hours ending 8.30 a.m. Both stations recorded a minimum of 24.7°C, near normal.
The day’s highest temperature was 36°C at Madurai Airport, 3.1°C above normal. The lowest minimum was 19.8°C at Coimbatore Airport in the plains and 12.4°C at Ooty in the hills.
October 21, 2026 11:49
Dark clouds, drizzle sweep Ranipet as northeast monsoon brings rain to the district
Dark clouds hovering over the Chennai-Bengaluru National Highway in Ranipet district on Wednesday (October 21, 2026), as a woman takes her cattle for grazing during a drizzle at Ratnagiri, Ranipet district.
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Photo: C. Venkatachalapathy/The Hindu
October 21, 2026 11:48
Retaining wall collapses near St. Stephen's Church in Udhagamandalam after heavy overnight rain
A retaining wall collapsed near St. Stephen’s Church in Udhagamandalam following heavy rain overnight. The town recorded 31.4 mm of rainfall, while Nilgiris district recorded 214.9 mm.
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Photo: M. Sathyamoorthy
October 21, 2026 11:32
GCC inspects pumping, precaution measures at Rangarajapuram subway ahead of northeast monsoon
Joint Commissioner (Works) Se. Saravanan inspected the motor facilities and precautionary measures at the Rangarajapuram two-wheeler subway on Parankusapuram Street, Ward 132, Zone 10, aimed at preventing waterlogging and ensuring quick drainage.
The Corporation said precautionary measures are continuing across the city ahead of the Northeast monsoon to prevent waterlogging in subways and ensure public safety.
October 21, 2026 11:30
Minister N. Anand inspects, joins workers in clearing fallen tree in T. Nagar
Rural Development and Water Resources Minister N. Anand inspected the removal of a tree that had fallen on a road in T. Nagar and joined workers in cutting it down.
October 21, 2026 11:19
Mayor Priya inspects Gandhi canal amid heavy rain in Thiru Vi Ka Nagar zone, Chennai
Following widespread rain across Greater Chennai Corporation areas today (October 21, 2026), Mayor R. Priya inspected the Gandhi canal in Ward 72, under Thiru Vi Ka Nagar zone. Zonal officer Satheesh and other Corporation officials accompanied her during the inspection.
October 21, 2026 11:13
CM Vijay to chair meeting on northeast monsoon preparedness
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is set to chair a meeting with Ministers and officials at the Secretariat to review preparedness for the Northeast monsoon.
October 21, 2026 11:12
Tree falls on D.B. Road in R.S. Puram, Coimbatore; no injuries reported
Pedestrians and motorists had a close shave after a tree fell across the busy D.B. Road at R.S. Puram in Coimbatore on Tuesday evening, amid the Northeast monsoon.
October 21, 2026 10:45
Fresh weather system likely to sustain heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu till October 26
A fresh system, which is expected to form over the Bay of Bengal on Wednesday (October 21, 2026), is likely to sustain intense rainfall across Tamil Nadu till October 26. Southern and delta districts are likely to have an edge over northern districts in terms of heavy downpours.
The RMC has issued orange alerts for a few southern districts, including Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi, as they may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall up to 20 cm on Wednesday and Thursday (October 22, 2026).
October 21, 2026 10:19
Thunderstorm, lightning likely in 24 districts till 1 pm: IMD-Tamilnadu Weather
The Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, in a nowcast issued at 10 a.m. on Wednesday (October 21, 2026), warned of light to moderate rain with thunderstorm and lightning, likely at isolated places across 24 Tamil Nadu districts, as well as Karaikal and Puducherry, until 1 p.m. the same day. It said waterlogging, slippery roads and traffic disruption were likely in some areas.
October 21, 2026 10:17
IMD warns of heavy to very heavy rain in Tamil Nadu till October 26
The IMD said that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until October 26, 2026, due to a likely Low Pressure Area forming over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Tamil Nadu coast.
Isolated heavy rain is also likely over Kerala and Mahe (October 20-26), South Interior Karnataka (October 21-24), and Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema (October 20-21).
October 21, 2026 10:07
Schools in Chennai, four other districts declare holiday
Schools in five districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, will remain closed on Wednesday (October 21, 2026), owing to heavy rain, according to district authorities.
The Collectors of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts have declared a holiday for schools, while a similar order has been issued in Ranipet district due to rain.
October 21, 2026 10:05
T. Nagar MLA inspects waterlogging, blames Metro works for stagnation
Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources N. Anand inspected waterlogged areas in his T. Nagar Assembly constituency, instructing officials to swiftly drain stagnant water using motor pumps. He said ongoing Metro Rail works had caused water stagnation in several parts of T. Nagar.
Published - October 21, 2026 10:10 am IST
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Source: The Hindu · The Hindu Bureau
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