Tamil NaduMonday, 18 May 2026·The Hindu
Tamil Nadu weather alert: heavy rain likely in Madurai, Coimbatore and Nilgiris; southwest monsoon may begin on 26 May
The Chennai IMD forecast heavy rain in several Tamil Nadu districts and said the southwest monsoon may begin over Kerala on 26 May.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 18 May 2026, the Chennai Meteorological Department said heavy rain was likely in Madurai, Coimbatore and the Nilgiris, and the southwest monsoon could begin over Kerala on 26 May.
Key specifics
- Forecast date: 18 May 2026, issued by the Chennai Meteorological Department.
- Heavy rain districts: Madurai, Coimbatore and the Nilgiris were named for today and tomorrow.
- Monsoon timing: southwest monsoon may start over Kerala on 26 May.
- Atmospheric systems: cyclonic circulations over the Kumari Sea and northeast Tamil Nadu were cited.
- Temperature outlook: maximum temperature in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal may fall by 2-3°C for the next 3 days.
Exam lens
Question type: geography and climate, Chennai IMD forecast, 26 May monsoon onset, 2-3°C temperature drop; TNPSC may ask which districts were under heavy rain warning and what atmospheric features were mentioned.