The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Chennai, has forecast heavy rainfall across several parts of Tamil Nadu over the next two days, with eight districts likely to receive intense showers on Sunday, November 8, coinciding with Deepavali celebrations.
According to the weather department, a trough extending from the southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Kerala towards south interior Karnataka is influencing weather conditions, triggering widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across the state.
On Saturday, November 7, isolated places in Madurai, Theni and Dindigul districts are likely to receive heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph.
Moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is also expected in Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi and Ramanathapuram districts.
Similar weather conditions are likely in parts of Kanniyakumari, Coimbatore and the Nilgiris, as well as Puducherry and Karaikal. Other parts of Tamil Nadu may receive isolated light showers accompanied by thunderstorms.
The RMC has warned that rainfall activity could intensify on Sunday, November 8, when Deepavali will be celebrated across the state.
Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in eight districts — Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph are also expected in these areas.
Meanwhile, moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds is forecast in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Tiruchirappalli, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Erode, Madurai, Dindigul, Tenkasi and Tirunelveli districts, besides Puducherry.
The forecast indicates that coastal and southern districts are likely to experience relatively widespread rainfall during the festival period, while several interior areas may receive intermittent showers.
Light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is also expected at isolated places elsewhere in the state.
The weather warning comes as people prepare for Deepavali-related travel and celebrations, with rainfall, lightning and gusty winds potentially disrupting outdoor activities and movement in several districts.
Published: Saturday, 7 November 2026 | 12:20 PM IST