Heavy Rain Persists in Kerala and Tamil Nadu Before Easing

Key Takeaways:

• Heavy Rainfall: Widespread rain with isolated heavy to very heavy spells is likely across Kerala and Tamil Nadu on October 26.
• Recorded Rainfall: Pamban received 11 cm of rainfall and Tondi recorded 10 cm during the 21 hours ending at 5:30 AM.
• Flash-Flood Risk: Parts of Palakkad, Idukki, Malappuram and Pathanamthitta, along with several Tamil Nadu districts, face a low-to-moderate flash-flood risk through early October 27.
• Gradual Improvement: Rainfall activity is expected to decrease from October 27, with scattered showers over Kerala and isolated rainfall across Tamil Nadu from October 28.
• Forecast Validity: October 26–28, 2026

Kerala and Tamil Nadu face another day of locally intense northeast monsoon rain on Monday, although conditions should begin easing from October 27. Heavy rain was recorded at isolated places in Tamil Nadu during the 21 hours ending at 5:30 AM, with Pamban receiving 11 centimetres and Tondi 10 centimetres. Heavy to very heavy rainfall remains likely at isolated places across both Tamil Nadu–Puducherry and Kerala–Mahe during October 26.

The rain is associated with a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining south coastal Tamil Nadu. Its cyclonic circulation extends through the middle troposphere, while a trough runs from the Lakshadweep region across southern Kerala to the circulation. This configuration is drawing moisture from both adjoining seas and maintaining convergence across southern Tamil Nadu, the Western Ghats and Kerala, supporting repeated showers and thunderstorms.

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Through Monday, widespread rain is likely across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with thunderstorms and gusts of 40–50 kmph possible over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. Kerala and Lakshadweep may experience gusts of 30–40 kmph. A low-to-moderate flash-flood risk is expected through early October 27 over parts of Palakkad, Idukki, Malappuram and Pathanamthitta, as well as several districts in southern, western and delta Tamil Nadu.

On Tuesday, rain should become less extensive, although isolated heavy falls remain possible over Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Kerala and Lakshadweep may still see rainfall at many places on October 27 before activity reduces to scattered coverage from October 28. Tamil Nadu is expected to shift from widespread rain on Monday to scattered rain on Tuesday and isolated showers thereafter, indicating a gradual rather than immediate improvement.

Short-duration intense rain may still trigger waterlogging, rapid runoff and minor landslips in vulnerable hill areas. Residents should avoid flooded roads and swollen streams, while fishermen should heed restrictions associated with squally winds along the Kerala and Karnataka coasts and around Lakshadweep. Farmers should drain excess water from paddy, banana, coconut and vegetable fields and protect harvested produce. Travellers should allow additional time until rainfall becomes more scattered.