Heavy rain lashed parts of Tamil Nadu, prompting the closure of schools in several districts.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai predicted heavy downpours accompanied by thunder in ten districts, including five in the Delta region and five in the south, between 7 am and 10 am on Tuesday.
The affected districts in the Delta region include Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, and Pudukkottai, while the southern districts under alert are Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Kanyakumari.
District Collectors in Nagapattinam, Thoothukudi, and Karaikal declared holidays for schools on Tuesday, November 19. While schools and colleges in Karaikal were closed, authorities in Thoothukudi announced a holiday for schools only, with colleges functioning as usual. In Thanjavur, the district administration has allowed school heads to decide on closures based on local conditions.
According to the RMC, an atmospheric circulation over Kumari Kadal (Gulf of Mannar) and nearby areas has intensified the northeast monsoon, leading to widespread rainfall in the state. Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is expected across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, with isolated heavy rain in the Delta and southern districts.
In Chennai, partly cloudy skies with intermittent light to moderate rain and thunderstorms are predicted. Temperatures are expected to range between 25°C and 32°C.
The Meteorological Department has issued a rain alert for Tamil Nadu, forecasting moderate rainfall over the next five days. Authorities in the Delta and southern districts are on high alert as the northeast monsoon strengthens, and residents are advised to exercise caution.
District Collectors B Priyanka Pankajam (Nagapattinam), P Akash (Thoothukudi), and T Manikandan (Karaikal) have urged residents to stay vigilant and follow safety measures during the ongoing heavy rains.