Schools in Chennai and four other districts of Tamil Nadu will remain closed on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, following heavy overnight rainfall and forecasts of further downpours. District Collectors have declared holidays for schools in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu and Ranipet as rain continues across several parts of the state.According to Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) data, several areas in and around Chennai recorded intense rainfall until 6 am on Wednesday. Meenambakkam received 12 cm of rain, while Nungambakkam recorded 11 cm. The weather department has forecast further rainfall in multiple districts, with orange alerts issued for parts of southern Tamil Nadu.Tamil Nadu school holiday: Districts affectedThe holiday order applies to schools in the following five districts:• Chennai• Tiruvallur• Kancheepuram• Chengalpattu• RanipetThe closures have been announced by the respective district administrations in view of the rainfall. The available information specifically confirms holidays for schools; it does not establish a statewide closure of colleges or other educational institutions.Chennai rainfall: Meenambakkam records 12 cmRainfall data from the RMC showed significant precipitation across Chennai and neighbouring areas by 6 am on October 21.
| Meenambakkam | 12 cm |
| Nungambakkam | 11 cm |
| Taramani | 10 cm |
| Madhavaram | 9 cm |
| Villivakkam | 8 cm |
| Nandanam | 8 cm |
Rain was also reported in Coimbatore, Kancheepuram, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari. Light to moderate rainfall was expected to continue at isolated places across several districts until 10 am on Wednesday.Tamil Nadu weather forecast: Rain alert until October 26The RMC has indicated that a fresh weather system over the Bay of Bengal could sustain intense rainfall across Tamil Nadu until October 26, 2026. An upper-air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal, off the North Tamil Nadu coast, is expected to develop into a low-pressure area.The forecast covers Chennai, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Kanniyakumari, among other areas.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued orange alerts for southern districts, including Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi. These districts could receive heavy to very heavy rainfall of up to 20 cm on October 21 and 22. Thunderstorms and gusty winds are also forecast as the weather system develops.Residents and commuters have been advised to follow local weather updates and district administration announcements as rainfall continues.