Chennai under IMD orange alert as heavy rainfall lashes districts
Chennai and several districts across Tamil Nadu woke up to heavy rain, thunder, and lightning on Friday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for four coastal districts. Officials said Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Cuddalore are expected to witness moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, over the next 24 hours.The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) recorded 4–5 cm of rain in multiple parts of Chennai, including Nungambakkam, Vadapalani, and Adyar, since early morning.
Maximum temperatures are likely to hover around 35°C, with humidity levels remaining high, making the conditions uncomfortable despite the rainfall. Meteorologists have warned of moderate to intense thunderstorms in the city and surrounding districts, while other regions of Tamil Nadu could see light to moderate showers.The IMD further noted that widespread rainfall will not be limited to Tamil Nadu alone. In the western belt, Gujarat, Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and the Konkan region are likely to receive significant rainfall, while southern states such as Kerala, Telangana, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh are expected to record very heavy showers in the coming days. Officials said these patterns are linked to active monsoon winds combined with low-pressure systems forming over the Bay of Bengal.Experts believe the increasing frequency of high-intensity rainfall underscores the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure in Indian cities.
Chennai, which has repeatedly faced flooding and waterlogging in the past decade, remains vulnerable due to unplanned urbanisation, shrinking water bodies, and inadequate drainage networks. Urban planners stress that integrating sustainable stormwater management with public mobility and housing infrastructure can significantly reduce risks from such extreme weather events.Officials have also highlighted the importance of adopting green infrastructure solutions, such as restoring wetlands, expanding permeable surfaces, and building eco-sensitive urban corridors. These measures, they argue, will not only mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall but also help cities transition towards zero net carbon growth. Such climate-adaptive strategies are essential for ensuring gender-neutral and equitable access to urban spaces, particularly for vulnerable communities often hit hardest during climate-induced disasters.
In Delhi, meanwhile, light rain brought marginal relief from the humidity on Thursday, though the capital continued to reel under high moisture levels with relative humidity recorded at 68 per cent by evening. Officials expect intermittent showers to continue, offering temporary respite but doing little to address the broader issue of rising temperatures and erratic weather conditions.
For Chennai and other southern states, the current orange alert serves as a reminder of the pressing need to invest in sustainable urban infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather, while ensuring climate equity for all sections of society.
