In response to persistent heavy rainfall and forecasts of more downpours, the Chennai district administration has announced a suspension of academic activities for Wednesday. District Collector Rashmi Siddharth Zagade has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges within Chennai city on December 3, 2025. The directive for closure has also been extended to educational institutions in the neighbouring Tiruvallur district.
Widespread Rainfall and Official Warnings
The decision follows continuous heavy showers on Tuesday, which led to significant waterlogging in multiple areas across both Chennai and Tiruvallur districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted very heavy rainfall for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram districts until the early afternoon of Wednesday. Authorities have cautioned residents, particularly in low-lying zones of South Chennai, where water stagnation has been reported. The city's civic body is actively deploying pumps to drain out accumulated rainwater.
According to a 7 PM weather update from the IMD, moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is expected in Chennai and Tiruvallur by evening. Several other districts, including Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Villupuram, and Ramanathapuram, among others, are likely to receive light to moderate rain, with possible thunderstorms.
Color-Coded Alerts Across Tamil Nadu
The weather system has prompted the issuance of color-coded alerts for Wednesday. An orange alert, indicating a need for preparedness, has been declared for Coimbatore, Erode, and the Nilgiris districts. Furthermore, a yellow alert has been issued for a wider set of regions including Salem, Namakkal, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari districts. The IMD has stated that no heavy rain is anticipated in other parts of the state.
Impact on Daily Life and Commute
The relentless rains over recent days have already disrupted normal life. Several private schools operated for only half a day on Tuesday, and commuters faced severe traffic snarls and delays. Parents were advised to collect their children early as the downpour continued. While holidays are now confirmed for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram, students and parents in other districts are advised to check with their local authorities for updates on any potential closures.
The current spell of wet weather is attributed to a weakened deep depression associated with the Ditwah cyclone in the Bay of Bengal. This system continues to influence the coastal areas near Chennai and Puducherry, causing intermittent showers across several districts. State and civic authorities are closely monitoring the evolving situation and have urged the public to exercise caution.
