Chennai Weather Today: IMD Issues Orange Alert in Tamil Nadu; School Holidays Declared in Several Districts

An orange alert for heavy rainfall has been issued for several districts in Tamil Nadu, including the state capital Chennai, as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal continues to influence weather conditions across the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next four days.

Chennai Weather Today! Orange Alert in Tamil Nadu Districts Including Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore & More

According to the IMD, the districts under the orange alert include Chengalpattu, Chennai, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Pudukkottai and Ramanathapuram, as well as Puducherry and the Karaikal region.

For the upcoming days, light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely at a few places in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal. There is a possibility of heavy rain at one or two places in Mayiladuthurai and Cuddalore districts. On the 20th, there is a possibility of heavy rain at one or two places in Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Villupuram, Chengalpattu districts and Puducherry.

On the 21st and 22nd, there is a possibility of heavy rain at one or two places in Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Nellai, Kanyakumari, Sivaganga, Ariyalur districts, and in Puducherry and Karaikal areas.

School Holidays in Chennai & Other Districts in Tamil Nadu As IMD Issues Heavy Rainfall Alert

In response to the ongoing overnight rains and waterlogging, district collectors have declared a holiday for all government, private, and aided schools in Chennai and several other districts on Monday, November 17. The decision comes as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and school staff amid the heavy downpour.

Parents and students have expressed concern over whether schools will remain closed on Tuesday, November 18, as the rain threat persists. Officials have not yet issued a final order for school closures for tomorrow. Authorities are expected to review the situation later this evening or night and make a decision based on the intensity of rainfall and local conditions.

At present, schools are scheduled to remain open on November 18, but a holiday is considered highly likely if conditions worsen, according to government sources. Residents are advised to exercise caution in low-lying areas and follow updates from local authorities for the latest developments.