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Heavy rain with thunderstorms is back on the India Meteorological Department radar for Tamil Nadu today, Sunday, October 4. Sub-division guidance flags rain with thunder and lightning through October 6, before easing midweek. Chennai, Nilgiris and Coimbatore are on close watch as afternoon convection builds and sea-breeze interactions sharpen local storm lines.
Regional updates indicate the sharpest rain risk over Nilgiris and the Ghat areas of Coimbatore, with Dindigul and Theni likely to see heavy spells this evening. These districts are expected to face the most persistent downpours, with thunderstorms and gusty winds possible in pockets. Authorities may upgrade alerts if cells organize quickly later today.
IMD alert today: district-wise windows and colour codes
| District | IMD signal | Likely window (IST) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nilgiris | Orange (very heavy rain risk) | Afternoon to late night | Landslip-prone stretches; slower travel on Ooty–Coonoor corridors. |
| Coimbatore (Ghat areas) | Orange (very heavy rain risk) | Afternoon to night | Rapid stream rises around Valparai–Anaimalai slopes. |
| Dindigul | Yellow (heavy rain) | Evening to night | Palani ghat roads can turn slick; allow buffer time. |
| Theni | Yellow (heavy rain) | Evening to night | Watch Cumbum and Periyakulam zones for short, intense bursts. |
Chennai thunderstorms today: commute impact and airport delays
For Chennai, storm chances climb from mid-afternoon, peaking toward early night as sea-breeze convergence strengthens. Brief waterlogging and slower traffic are possible on low-lying corridors; minor arrival delays can’t be ruled out if cells pass over the flight path. Track the city radar loop and station feeds as cells evolve.
Nilgiris and Western Ghats: hill-route caution
If you’re driving Ooty–Mettupalayam, Coonoor–Kotagiri or Valparai–Pollachi, plan for fog, treefall risk and slippery hairpins after sundown. Keep fuel and food buffers, avoid night descents, and don’t stop under unstable cuttings. Marine advisories for Tamil Nadu are nil this morning, but inland hazards remain elevated along steep ghats.
How to track IMD nowcast and radar
Use the IMD Chennai radar animation for storm movement, then check the District-wise Warning GIS and Urban Meteorological Services for station-level updates across Chennai. The sub-division page shows the broader warning picture; refresh these dashboards every few hours for upgrades or expanded alerts as storms organize.