Chennai summer turns monsoon-like as rains cool city; low-pressure area likely to form on May 11

Chennai’s usually harsh summer turned monsoon-like on Saturday (May 9, 2026), as widespread showers and overcast skies offered residents a break from soaring mercury levels and the searing heat. The city and its neighbouring districts are among 19 districts of the State where there is a possibility of heavy rainfall with gusty winds on Saturday.

An upper air cyclonic circulation that lies over the Gulf of Mannar and adjoining Sri Lanka has triggered widespread rainfall over the State. This is predicted to influence the formation of a low-pressure area over southwest Bay of Bengal around May 11.

Several parts of the city, including Mandaveli, Nungambakkam, Anna Nagar, Ambattur, Pammal, Chitlapakkam, and Tambaram, received showers from Saturday morning. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has forecast light to moderate rainfall in many places of the State on Saturday.

Eight districts, including Sivaganga, Thanjavur, and Mayiladuthurai, have been issued an orange weather alert, indicating the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall on Saturday.

Break from summer heat

Tamil Nadu may enjoy a break from the peak summer phase, known locally as Agninatchatiram, till May 15, as the RMC has predicted heavy rainfall to continue in various south Tamil Nadu and interior districts. Many districts, which were in the grip of gruelling heat, may witness a sharp dip in mercury levels and below-normal temperatures till May 14. The maximum temperatures may fall by three-four degree Celsius in many places over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, said RMC.

Several north Tamil Nadu districts, including Chennai and its neighbouring districts – Vellore, Ranipet, and Tiruvannamalai – may experience heavy rainfall on May 13, according to RMC.

During the past 24 hours ending 8.30 a.m. on Saturday, Oothu in Tirunelveli district received the highest amount of rainfall of 16.8 cm. Many places in the State received moderate to heavy rainfall, including Chennai, on Saturday.

Chennai may continue to experience pleasant weather on Sunday (May 10). RMC has forecast light to moderate rainfall and a maximum temperature of 33-34 degree Celsius.