Commuters waiting to board an MTC bus amid rain at the Koyambedu Bus Terminus in Chennai on Monday, November 2, 2026. | Photo Credit: VELANKANNI RAJ B Severe cyclonic storm Murasu drenched the extreme northern parts of the State, including Chennai, from Sunday (November 1) evening, as the region lies along its path. However, rainfall intensity is expected to reduce from Tuesday after the system makes landfall.Cyclone Murasu (meaning percussion instrument in Tamil) followed close on the heels of Cyclone Arnab, and is also headed towards Andhra Pradesh coast.

It is likely to cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur between Monday midnight and the early hours of Tuesday.As the outer bands of the cyclone brushed along the Tamil Nadu north coastal region, the Regional Meteorological Centre upgraded its weather alerts for a few north TN districts like Chennai and Tiruvallur on Monday.However, the rainfall intensity may drop to moderate in north Tamil Nadu from Tuesday. Heavy downpours had lashed several areas in and around Chennai, particularly northern parts of the city during the past 24 hours ending 8.30 a.m. on Monday.

Kadapakkam and Parrys corner in Chennai topped the charts with a very heavy rainfall of 15 cm each. This was followed by many rain gauges, including Manali and Sathangadu, with 13 cm each.Intermittent spells of rains continued through Monday as the cyclone inched closer to the Indian coast.

It would be the turn of south Tamil Nadu to receive heavy rainfall from November 5 with monsoon winds gaining strength. While Theni and Dindigul are expected to receive heavy rainfall on November 5, nine districts, including Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Ramanathapuram, may record heavy rainfall till November 7.Officials of the RMC noted that wet Deepavali are on the cards as rainfall activity may cover more districts from November 8.V.R.

Durai, Head, Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, RMC said rainfall may continue on Tuesday as well owing to the influence of the cyclone. Chances for storm surges like during Cyclone Arnab are lower as Cyclone Murasu is less intense than the previous system.

However, warnings of gusty winds have been provided.With easterly waves likely to strengthen around this weekend, the RMC expects an increase in rainfall activity across the State from November 8.Although studies have indicated that El Niño could reduce the number of cyclones forming over the Bay of Bengal, the season has been exceptional so far with two back-to-back systems, he said.While October cyclones usually reach AP coast, those formed in November and December have a potential to reach Tamil Nadu. There are chances for fresh weather systems to form after mid-November, Mr.

Durai said. Published - November 02, 2026 08:08 pm IST