Schools Shut in Five Tamil Nadu Districts, Including Chennai, Amid Heavy Rain

Tamil Nadu rains LIVE: Schools declare holiday in Chennai, four other districts

The Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, has warned of light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning in isolated places across 24 Tamil Nadu districts, Karaikal and Puducherry until 1 p.m. on October 21, 2026.

The warning was issued in a nowcast at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The weather office said the rain could lead to waterlogging, slippery roads and traffic disruption in some areas.

Heavy rain forecast until October 26

The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal until October 26, 2026. The forecast is linked to a likely Low Pressure Area forming over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Tamil Nadu coast.

The IMD has also forecast isolated heavy rain over Kerala and Mahe from October 20 to October 26. South Interior Karnataka is expected to receive isolated heavy rain from October 21 to October 24, while Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema are covered by the forecast for October 20 and October 21.

Schools shut in five districts

Schools in five Tamil Nadu districts, including Chennai, will remain closed on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, because of heavy rain, according to district authorities.

The Collectors of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu have declared a holiday for schools. A similar order has been issued in Ranipet district due to rain.

The closures come as the Regional Meteorological Centre has warned that rain-related waterlogging, slippery roads and traffic disruption are possible in some areas. The forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall continuing until October 26 has kept Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal under an extended spell of weather alerts.

Waterlogging inspected in T. Nagar

Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources N. Anand inspected waterlogged areas in his T. Nagar Assembly constituency. He instructed officials to drain stagnant water swiftly using motor pumps.

N. Anand said ongoing Metro Rail works had caused water stagnation in several parts of T. Nagar. The inspection and instructions came as authorities dealt with waterlogging during the ongoing rain.

Source: The Hindu