The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall for Chennai and several districts across Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The persistent wet conditions are a result of the depression, which is the remnant of Cyclonic Storm Ditwah, currently over the southwest Bay of Bengal. The weather system has already caused significant disruption, leading to waterlogging, traffic snarls, and sadly, the loss of four lives in the state due to rain-related incidents.
IMD Forecast and District-Wise Warnings
The Regional Meteorological Centre has issued specific alerts for multiple regions. Light to moderate rainfall is expected at most places over North Coastal Tamil Nadu, with isolated heavy spells. A warning for heavy rain is in effect for Theni, Dindigul, Tiruppur, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Salem, and Namakkal districts.
More severe conditions are predicted for the Nilgiris, Erode, and Coimbatore districts, where heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated places. The IMD has also stated that thunderstorms and lightning may occur over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the Karaikal area. As a precaution, fishing activities off the coastal regions remain suspended.
Impact and Disruptions in Chennai and Beyond
The capital city Chennai has borne the brunt of the downpour. On Tuesday, the Velachery railway bridge was flooded, highlighting the severe waterlogging issues. The city's weather forecast for Wednesday indicates a minimum temperature of around 24°C and a maximum reaching 29-30°C, with a few spells of moderate rain in some areas.
The IMD has warned of several potential hazards due to the incessant rain. These include:
- Waterlogging and flooding in low-lying coastal districts.
- Possible damage to vulnerable roads and houses.
- Significant traffic disruptions, urging commuters to plan accordingly.
Visual evidence of the storm's impact circulated on social media, including a video from PTI showing heavy rains inundating Madurai's hockey stadium.
Extended Alert for Andhra Pradesh and Outlook
The weather disturbance is not confined to Tamil Nadu. The IMD has also placed a heavy rainfall forecast for some regions in south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema. This expands the zone of caution and suggests that the system's influence is widespread across the southeastern coast of India.
As the depression continues to move south-southwestwards, authorities are urging residents in the affected districts to exercise extreme caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay informed through official weather updates. The situation remains dynamic, with the potential for further rainfall-related challenges in the coming hours.
