Chennai rain: Schools closed in five Tamil Nadu districts after heavy overnight showers
Schools in five districts of Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, will remain closed on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, after heavy rain lashed the northern coastal belt overnight. The Collectors of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Chengalpattu have declared a holiday for schools, and a similar order has been issued in Ranipet district.
According to data from the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), several places in and around Chennai recorded heavy rainfall until 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Meenambakkam recorded 12 cm, Nungambakkam 11 cm, Taramani 10 cm, Madhavaram 9 cm, and Villivakkam and Nandanam 8 cm each.
Rainfall was also recorded in other districts, including Coimbatore, Kancheepuram, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari.
The weather office said light to moderate rainfall is likely to continue at isolated places across several parts of the State until 10 a.m. on Wednesday. The districts likely to receive rain include Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari.
The RMC said a fresh system over the Bay of Bengal is likely to sustain intense rainfall across Tamil Nadu until October 26.
Orange alerts have been issued for a few southern districts, including Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi, which may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall of up to 20 cm on Wednesday and Thursday, October 22.
What an orange alert means
In the India Meteorological Department's colour-coded warning system, an orange alert signals "be prepared". It is issued when heavy rain or severe weather is expected to disrupt daily life, transport and power supply. A yellow alert means "be updated", while a red alert means "take action".
Why this rain matters
October falls in the northeast monsoon season, which brings the bulk of Tamil Nadu's annual rainfall. Showers during this period are routine, but short spells of very heavy rain can quickly inundate low-lying neighbourhoods and disrupt morning travel.
What residents should know
The orders issued by district authorities cover schools. Parents and students are advised to confirm the status of their institution with local authorities, as holiday orders can vary between districts and may be revised through the day. Commuters should allow extra time for travel, avoid waterlogged roads and underpasses, and follow updates issued by the RMC and district administration.
The rainfall figures cited here are measurements recorded at weather stations until 6 a.m. on Wednesday and do not represent the full-day forecast for any district. This report will be updated as further official information becomes available.
