Chennai, Tiruvallur and Chengalpet to close schools Tuesday as Cyclone Ditwah nears Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast; MET warns of persistent rain
Tamil Nadu Schools Closed: Chennai, Tiruvallur and Chengalpet district collectors on Monday announced a holiday for schools and colleges on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, due to heavy rain and the approach of Cyclone Ditwah. Authorities cited the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) updates and ongoing weather conditions in the region as the reason for the closure.Chennai and surrounding areas have experienced continuous rainfall since Monday morning. Residents reported wet roads and water accumulation in low-lying areas. Officials advised caution and urged people to monitor local weather updates.Anna University and Madras University postpone semester examsAnna University and Madras University have announced the postponement of semester examinations in Chennai and surrounding districts due to the approach of Cyclone Ditwah and ongoing heavy rainfall. The universities cited safety concerns for students and staff as the primary reason for the delay. Authorities confirmed that revised dates for the exams will be communicated after monitoring the cyclone’s progress and receiving updates from the RMC.Cyclone tracks close to coastlineThe MET office reported that Cyclone Ditwah, currently over the southwest Bay of Bengal, is weakening and is expected to reduce to a deep depression as it approaches the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline. By midnight of Sunday, November 30, 2025, the system was forecasted to be within a minimum distance of 30 km from the North Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast.The RMC bulletin indicated that the cyclone was located approximately 90 km southeast of Cuddalore, 120 km northeast of Karaikal, 90 km southeast of Puducherry, 170 km northeast of Vedaranniyam, and 150 km southeast of Chennai. The minimum distance from the coast was around 80 km on Sunday evening.Rainfall expected across several districtsPrivate weather bloggers and monitoring agencies predicted rain in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Ranipet districts as the cyclone moved closer to the coast. The system is moving slowly at 5 kmph and is expected to continue a near-northward path parallel to the coastline, bringing persistent showers to the region.Authorities emphasised that the closure of schools and colleges is a precautionary measure to ensure safety amid ongoing and forecasted rainfall. Further updates will depend on MET office advisories as Cyclone Ditwah continues its movement along the Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coast.MET continues to monitor weather conditionsThe MET office reiterated that the cyclone would weaken while remaining near the coast. The centre of the system is expected to stay within 30 km of the North Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline by midnight of November 30, 2025. Officials urged residents to follow advisories, stay indoors when possible, and remain alert to updates on rainfall and local flooding conditions.
