Chennai district collector Rashmi Siddharth Zagade has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in the city on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, due to heavy rain. In addition, schools in Tiruvallur district will also remain closed. The announcement comes after continuous downpours on Tuesday, which caused waterlogging in several parts of both districts. The decision follows closures on Tuesday, December 2, when schools in Chennai, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts were shut because of intense rainfall.The Meteorological Department has forecast very heavy rain for Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram districts until early afternoon. Residents have been advised to exercise caution as low-lying areas in South Chennai are experiencing water stagnation, and the city corporation is actively engaged in draining rainwater using pumps.Heavy rain and thunderstorms in multiple districtsAccording to the 7 pm update from the Meteorological Department, moderate rain with thunder and lightning is expected in Chennai and Tiruvallur districts by the evening. Light to moderate rain is likely in Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Villupuram, Ranipet, Tiruvannamalai, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari districts and the Karaikal region. Some places may also experience thunderstorms along with lightning.Earlier in the day, light to moderate rainfall was reported in Ranipet, Tirupattur, Villupuram, Mayiladuthurai, Cuddalore, Puducherry and Karaikal areas, with thunderstorms expected until around 1 pm.Orange and yellow alerts in western and southern districtsThe weather forecast for tomorrow includes an orange alert for Coimbatore, Erode and Nilgiris districts. Additionally, a yellow alert has been issued for Salem, Namakkal, Tiruppur, Dindigul, Theni, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts. Authorities have noted that no heavy rain is expected in other regions.Impact on schools, colleges and commutersHeavy rains over the past few days have affected educational institutions and commuters alike. Several private schools operated for only half a day yesterday, and motorists faced slow-moving traffic and delays. Parents were urged to pick up children early as downpours persisted.While holidays have been officially announced for Chennai and Tiruvallur districts, and for Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram districts earlier, there is no confirmation yet for other areas. Students and parents are advised to check with local authorities regarding closures for tomorrow.The rains are linked to the weakened deep depression of the Ditwah cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, which continues to approach the Chennai and Puducherry coasts, causing intermittent showers in several districts. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
