Chennai, Nov 18: Heavy rain is forecast on Tuesday across eight districts of southern Tamil Nadu as a strengthening low-pressure system continues to influence weather patterns over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for the following districts: Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, and Theni, urging residents to stay alert.
The ongoing spell of rainfall is attributed to a low-pressure area that formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal on Saturday and has since been moving in a northwest direction. Additionally, the IMD has predicted the development of a second low-pressure system on November 22 over the southeast Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify within 48 hours. This could further increase rainfall across Tamil Nadu in the coming days.
Chennai is expected to receive moderate rainfall today as moisture continues to be pushed inland from the Bay.
Coastal regions in southern Tamil Nadu—including the Gulf of Mannar and the Kumari Sea—remain under a marine warning. Fishermen have been advised not to venture out to sea, with strong winds reaching up to 55 kmph expected.
On Monday, widespread rainfall was recorded across Tamil Nadu, especially in the southern belt. With the heavy rain warning now extended, district administrations are reviewing whether to close schools and colleges.
While district collectors will take final decisions based on local conditions, Puducherry and Karaikal have already declared a holiday for all schools and colleges today (November 18), as confirmed by Education Minister A. Namassivayam.
In Tamil Nadu, Cuddalore district has also declared a school holiday due to continuous rainfall, according to District Collector C.P. Aditya Senthilkumar. Other districts are expected to issue similar announcements depending on rainfall intensity.
With another low-pressure system expected later this week and rain likely to continue into next week, authorities have urged residents—especially in the eight high-alert districts—to monitor official updates and take necessary precautions.
