Puducherry Schools Shut Down Amid Heavy Rain Alerts in Tamil Nadu

On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, schools and colleges in Puducherry and Karaikal were closed as heavy rain was forecasted for the Union Territory. Similarly, various districts in Tamil Nadu, including Cuddalore and Villupuram, announced school holidays after experiencing light to moderate rain on Monday, November 17, 2025. This rainfall is associated with current weather systems over the Bay of Bengal and nearby Sri Lanka, marking the end of a recent dry spell and activating the Northeast monsoon.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued yellow alerts for eight southern Tamil Nadu districts such as Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Tenkasi, and Theni, indicating necessary precautions. Meteorologists noted that while the existing low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal is not expected to strengthen significantly, a second low-pressure system forming later in the week could bring continued heavy rainfall across the region.

RMC officials predict that heavy rain may be concentrated in Mayiladuthurai and Cuddalore districts from November 19 to 20, with rainfall intensity likely increasing around November 22 as the new low-pressure area approaches the southeast Bay of Bengal. Yellow alerts have been issued for coastal districts during the period of November 21 to 23.

Authorities anticipate that this new spell of rainfall will assist the state in meeting its seasonal rainfall goal, which is currently 9% below the average of 29 cm recorded thus far. Residents are urged to stay alert, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas, and to comply with local administrative advice for safety.

The ongoing rainfall is likely to disrupt daily life, traffic, and agriculture throughout southern Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with officials closely monitoring the situation to provide timely updates and alerts.