IMD issues fresh heavy rain alert for Tamil Nadu as Cyclone Ditwah weakens; schools shut, exams postponed, showers to continue till Dec 5. Photo: X.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a fresh alert for heavy rainfall at isolated locations in Tamil Nadu on December 3, attributing the forecast to the lingering impact of Cyclone Ditwah. The warning comes as several northern districts continued to receive rain on Tuesday, with the death toll from rain-related incidents rising to four.
According to the IMD, heavy rains triggered flooding in low-lying regions and caused significant traffic disruptions across parts of Tamil Nadu. The deep depression, which had already weakened into a depression, is “very likely to become a well-marked low-pressure area,” the department said.
Chennai recorded an average of 15 cm rainfall in the 24 hours between December 1 and 2, and the city is expected to see moderate showers on Wednesday.
Also Read: School Holiday Alert: Several States Announce Closure Today – Find Out If Your District Is Affected
The IMD noted that the remnant of Cyclone Ditwah, positioned over the west-central and adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal as well as the North Tamil Nadu–South Andhra Pradesh coasts, remained practically stationary, hovering around 25 km from the North Tamil Nadu–Puducherry coastline.
“It is very likely to recurve slowly southwestwards and weaken into a depression during the next six hours,” the weather office said.
The IMD’s latest bulletin predicts light to moderate rainfall in many places across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal, with thunderstorms and lightning expected at isolated locations.
“Heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated places over Nilgiris, Erode and Coimbatore districts,” the bulletin stated.
It further added, “Heavy rain is likely at isolated places over Theni, Dindigul, Tiruppur, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Salem and Namakkal districts.”
The department also cautioned that strong surface winds reaching 35–45 kmph may prevail intermittently over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal.
With rainfall expected to intensify, Chennai District Collector Rashmi Siddharth Zagade declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in the city on Wednesday. Educational institutions in Tiruvallur and Chengalpet districts will also remain closed.
These districts had already suspended classes on December 2 due to heavy rain.
The University of Madras has postponed all UG, PG and professional degree theory examinations scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, 2025. In an official notice, Registrar Prof. Rita John confirmed that revised dates will be announced soon. Students appearing for the November 2025 exams have been advised to follow updates on official platforms.
The IMD has indicated that rainfall activity will persist in parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal from Wednesday through December 5, with isolated thunderstorms and lightning.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay indoors where possible, and follow official advisories as the depression remains positioned close to the Tamil Nadu coast.
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
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