Chennai Weather: IMD Issues Orange Alert in Tamil Nadu for Cyclone Ditwah; Is School Holiday on 4 December?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in seven districts of Tamil Nadu-Thiruvallur, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, Nilgiris, and Coimbatore (Ghat areas). The alert follows the remnants of Cyclone Ditwah, which weakened into a deep depression and later a low-pressure area near the Tamil Nadu coast, continuing to trigger intense rainfall across the region.

Chennai Weather Updates! Waterlogging Due To Heavy Rainfall During Cyclone Ditwah in Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Others

Chennai and neighboring districts, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kancheepuram have been experiencing steady rainfall since early morning. The two days of persistent downpour have caused waterlogging in several arterial roads, residential areas and low-lying neighborhoods, affecting normal life and slowing vehicular movement.

IMD Weather Alert For 4 December

The IMD advisory states that squally weather with wind speeds of 35-45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, will prevail over the Arabian Sea and off the Kerala coast on December 4. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during this period.

The IMD has also warned of thunderstorms with lightning across Puducherry, Karaikal and other parts of Tamil Nadu.

Additionally, an ocean currents alert has been issued for the Chennai coast from Palavakkam to Lakshmipuram Odaikuppam, with surface current speeds of 1.4-1.5 m/sec forecasted until 7 PM on December 4. Harbour and marine operations have been urged to exercise caution.

School Holiday Tomorrow on 4 December 2025?

Due to continuous heavy rainfall and waterlogging, schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu were closed on Wednesday, December 3. Chennai Collector Rashmi Siddharth Zagade confirmed that all educational institutions in the district would remain closed due to overnight rain.

Major universities, including Madras University and Anna University, have postponed semester examinations that were scheduled for Tuesday, with revised dates to be announced later. While there is no official confirmation yet on closures for December 4, heavy rainfall raises the possibility of continued closures. Parents and students are advised to stay updated through school authorities.

Rainfall Forecast Until December 5

The IMD has indicated that rainfall activity will continue from Wednesday until December 5 in parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in some areas. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas, as heavy rainfall persists across the region.