Heavy Rain Prompts School Holidays in Puducherry, Tamil Nadu Alerts

Schools and colleges in Puducherry and Karaikal were closed on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, due to heavy rainfall forecast in the Union Territory. Similarly, districts in Tamil Nadu, including Cuddalore and Villupuram, declared holidays for schools as the region received light to moderate rainfall on Monday, November 17, 2025. The rainfall is linked to prevailing weather systems over the Bay of Bengal and adjoining Sri Lanka, which have ended a recent dry spell and revived the Northeast monsoon.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued a yellow alert for eight southern districts of Tamil Nadu, including Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, and Theni, signaling the need for precautionary measures. Meteorologists explained that while the current low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal is unlikely to intensify significantly, a second low-pressure system forming later this week is expected to sustain heavy rainfall across the state.

RMC officials noted that heavy rainfall may remain concentrated in Mayiladuthurai and Cuddalore districts between November 19 and 20, with the intensity likely to increase from November 22 onward as the second low-pressure area approaches the southeast Bay of Bengal. The department has issued yellow alerts for coastal districts for the period of November 21 to 23.

Authorities said this fresh spell of rains is expected to help the state achieve its seasonal rainfall target, which currently stands at 9% below the average of 29 cm recorded so far. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas, and to follow local administrative instructions to ensure safety.

The ongoing rain is expected to affect daily life, transportation, and agriculture across southern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and officials continue to monitor the weather closely to provide timely updates and alerts.