Cloudburst in Chennai: Rainfall Paralyzes North Zones in 24 Hours, Flight Operations Disrupted at Airport

Heavy rainfall hit Manali and nearby areas in Chennai on the night of August 30, 2025. The Indian Meteorological Department reported that Manali recorded 10.6 cm of rain between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., followed by 12.6 cm from 11 p.m. to midnight on August 31. Wimco Nagar experienced the heaviest downpour with 15.7 cm, while Korattur received 13.7 cm and New Manali Town saw 10.3 cm during the same period.

Rainfall Impact Across Chennai

In a span of 24 hours ending at 8:30 a.m. on August 31, Manali accumulated a total of 27 cm of rain. New Manali Town and Wimco Nagar were not far behind, recording 26 cm and 23 cm respectively. Other parts of Chennai also faced significant rainfall, with Kathivakkam and Tiruvottiyur receiving 13.6 cm and 12.6 cm respectively.

Ayapakkam registered a rainfall of 12.1 cm during this period, while Parrys and Ambattur recorded slightly lower figures at 11.5 cm and 11.2 cm respectively. Nerkundram, Ambattur, and CD Hospital Tondiarpet saw rainfall measurements of 11 cm, 10 cm, and 10.2 cm respectively.

Flight Diversions Due to Weather

The heavy rains caused disruptions at Chennai airport as well, leading to the diversion of three flights to Bengaluru. Flights originating from Frankfurt, Mangaluru, and New Delhi were unable to land in Chennai due to the adverse weather conditions.

Kolathur and Ayanavaram Taluk Office recorded rainfall amounts of 9.6 cm each, while Kasimedu received slightly less at 9.5 cm and Valasarawakkam at 9.1 cm. Several other areas such as Puzhal, Perambur, Aminjikarai, Chembarambakkam, Red Hills, Anna Nagar West, Thamaraipakkam, and Okkiyam Thoraipakkam also experienced substantial rainfall.

The automatic weather station in Ennore documented a rainfall of 8.8 cm between the hours of 10:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m on August 30.

This intense weather event highlights the unpredictability of monsoon patterns in Chennai, affecting both daily life and transportation services significantly.