Chennai Rains: Schools Closed In Chennai And Three Other Districts Amid Heavy Rainfall

Last Updated:October 21, 2026, 07:43 IST

The school holiday applies to Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram and Ranipet districts as a precautionary measure amid the intensifying northeast monsoon.

Chennai witnessed widespread rainfall overnight as the northeast monsoon continued to intensify across Tamil Nadu. (Representative/File Photo)

In view of continuous heavy rainfall across Chennai and neighbouring districts, a one-day holiday has been declared for schools in five districts of Tamil Nadu today, Wednesday, October 21. The holiday applies to Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram districts as a precautionary measure amid the intensifying northeast monsoon.

District Collectors have announced the closure of schools following persistent rainfall throughout the night in several parts of Chennai and surrounding areas. The decision has been taken primarily to ensure the safety of school students and staff as persistent rainfall may disrupt transportation and create hazardous conditions on roads.

Chennai witnessed widespread rainfall overnight as the northeast monsoon continued to intensify across Tamil Nadu. Several parts of the city recorded heavy to very heavy showers, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for Chennai on Tuesday.

According to the India Meteorological Department, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until October 26. The weather agency has attributed the prevailing conditions to the likely formation of a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Tamil Nadu coast within the next 24 hours.

The IMD has also forecast isolated heavy rainfall in several other regions during the coming days. Lakshadweep may experience heavy rainfall between October 22 and 26, while Kerala and Mahe are likely to receive heavy showers from October 20 to 26.

South Interior Karnataka is likely to experience isolated heavy rainfall between October 21 and 24. Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema may also receive heavy rainfall on October 20 and 21.

With the northeast monsoon expected to remain active over the coming days, residents are advised to stay updated on official weather forecasts and district administration announcements. Parents should check notifications from their respective schools and local authorities for any further updates regarding school closures.

The holiday announced for October 21 applies to schools in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram districts. No blanket holiday for colleges or other educational institutions has been specified in the announcement.

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Which districts in Tamil Nadu declared a school holiday due to heavy rainfall on October 21, 2026?

A one-day school holiday was declared on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram districts, as well as Ranipet district, due to continuous heavy overnight rainfall.

What weather system caused the heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, and what did the IMD predict?

The heavy rainfall was driven by the intensifying northeast monsoon and the expected formation of a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert and forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal until October 26.

Are colleges and higher educational institutions closed alongside schools during the heavy rains?

No blanket holiday for colleges or other educational institutions was specified in the announcements, and colleges are expected to function as usual while school closures remain in effect.

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