Chennai, India – An intense and sudden downpour, described by meteorological officials as a cloudburst, lashed the northern neighbourhoods of Chennai late Saturday night, leading to record-breaking rainfall, significant waterlogging, and the diversion of several flights from Chennai International Airport.
The extreme weather event unfolded between 10 p.m. and midnight on Saturday, August 30, 2025, catching the city by surprise. The Manali area in North Chennai was the epicentre of the deluge, recording an unprecedented 27 cm of rainfall in the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), the rainfall intensity in Manali was staggering, with 106.2 mm recorded in the hour between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., followed by another 126.6 mm between 11 p.m. and midnight.
This torrential rain, far exceeding normal monsoon showers, quickly overwhelmed the city’s drainage systems, leading to widespread inundation in areas like Manali, Wimco Nagar, and Tiruvottiyur. The RMC confirmed that the event met the official definition of a cloudburst, which is characterized by extremely heavy rainfall in a short period over a localized area.
The severe weather had an immediate impact on air traffic at Chennai International Airport. At least four incoming flights, including an international service from Frankfurt (Lufthansa) and domestic flights from Delhi (Air India), Mangaluru, and Hyderabad (IndiGo), were unable to land due to the adverse conditions. Airport authorities confirmed that these flights were diverted to Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.
Passengers aboard the diverted flights faced several hours of delay. Airport sources stated that once the weather conditions improved in the early hours of Sunday, the stranded passengers were flown back to Chennai on subsequent flights. The diversions were a precautionary measure taken by the pilots despite visibility being reportedly within acceptable limits, highlighting the severity of the storm cell over the airport.
Weather experts have noted that this event is part of a historic month for Chennai’s weather, with the city recording three instances of over 100 mm of rainfall in August alone, a sequence never before seen in its history. The forecast for the next 24 hours predicts light to moderate rain in isolated places across Tamil Nadu, though the immediate threat from the cloudburst has subsided.
Conclusion
The cloudburst over Chennai’s Manali area is a stark reminder of the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. The rapid and intense downpour not only caused significant civic disruption but also highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure like airports to sudden meteorological changes. While the prompt diversion of flights ensured passenger safety, the incident underscores the need for robust contingency planning and clear communication channels to manage passenger inconvenience during such disruptions. As cities continue to grapple with the impacts of climate change, this event serves as a critical data point for urban planners and disaster management agencies.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information from the Regional Meteorological Centre and various news reports. Flight details and the number of diversions are subject to change. Passengers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the most current information regarding their flight status.
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