Tamil Nadu school holidays in 8 districts due to heavy rains, more showers forecast

In Tamil Nadu, eight districts declared a holiday for schools on Monday due to continuous rain, as announced by the district collectors. The affected districts include Kallakurichi, Ranipet, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Nagapattinam, Kilvelur, Viluppuram, and Cuddalore. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal can expect light to moderate rain with occasional intense spells, thunderstorms, and lightning. Daytime conditions will bring light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

The IMD attributes the ongoing rainfall to strong easterly/northeasterly winds in the lower tropospheric levels, creating favorable conditions for moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal over Tamil Nadu. Notably, Nagapattinam recorded the highest rainfall at 167 mm between January 7 at 8:30 am and January 8 at 5:30 am, while Mugalivakkam GCC received the lowest at 53.4 mm.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai predicts light to moderate rain at a few places in South Tamil Nadu, one or two places in North Tamil Nadu, and over Puducherry and Karaikal in the next 3-4 days. Additionally, isolated heavy rain is expected in Villupuram, Vellore, Chennai, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, and Kanyakumari during the next 3 days.


Tamil Nadu has faced unprecedented rains this year, starting with Cyclone Michaung causing destruction in Chennai and surrounding districts. Recent heavy rainfall in the southern districts resulted in substantial losses to public and private property, amounting to crores.

The IMD's forecast for the next 4-5 days indicates light to moderate rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Lakshadweep. Isolated heavy rainfall is expected in Tamil Nadu from the 7th to the 10th, over Kerala on the 7th, 8th, and 10th, and in Andhra Pradesh on the 8th. Additionally, squally weather with wind speeds of 40-45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph, is anticipated along the Tamil Nadu coast, Southwest Bay of Bengal, Gulf of Mannar, and Comorin Area from the 7th to the 10th. The ,India Meteorological Department has advised fishermen against venturing into these areas.