Cyclone Ditwah School Holiday: School Closed in THESE States due to Rain and Bad Weather

Cyclone Ditwah is currently posing a threat to the Tamil Nadu coast, bringing with it a forecast of heavy rainfall across many districts. As a precautionary measure against the severe weather and potential disruption, several district administrations have announced either half-day or full-day holidays for educational institutions on Friday, November 28, 2025. This proactive step aims to ensure the safety of students and staff as the cyclonic system influences weather patterns in the region, particularly in the delta and adjoining areas.

The cyclonic system, positioned over coastal Sri Lanka and the adjoining southwest Bay of Bengal, is expected to generate intense rainfall over the delta districts before gradually shifting its trajectory towards north Tamil Nadu over the weekend. In response to the intensifying weather, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has issued various alerts, including a Yellow alert for five south coastal and delta districts like Ramanathapuram and Thanjavur, and Orange and Yellow alerts for areas such as Ariyalur and Cuddalore, urging residents and authorities to remain vigilant.

District-Wise School and College Holiday Declarations

• Tiruvarur District

Tiruvarur Collector V. Mohanachandran declared a half-day holiday, requiring schools to close after the forenoon session on Friday due to the heavy rainfall warning. Consequently, classroom sessions for schools and colleges were suspended for the afternoon of November 28.

• Mayiladuthurai District

A half-day holiday was also declared for all schools and colleges in Mayiladuthurai district for the afternoon session. This decision was mandated by District Collector H.S. Srikanth in light of the severe rain alert.

• Pudukottai District

Similar to the neighboring districts, a half-day leave has been announced for schools and colleges in Pudukottai district due to the prevailing heavy rainfall warning.

• Ramanathapuram District

Ramanathapuram District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon declared a full-day holiday specifically for schools in the Rameswaram block, citing concerns over the continuous rain.

Other Affected Regions and Rainfall Forecast

Meanwhile, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema are expected to receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall until December 2. The IMD has forecasted isolated extremely heavy rainfall on November 30 in Kerala, and isolated heavy rainfall is likely until November 29. In Telangana, heavy rain is likely on November 30 and December 1, while South Interior Karnataka can brace for heavy rains on November 29. Thunderstorm and lightning warnings are also in place for the above-mentioned states.

The cyclone is now affecting the Indian coast, bringing widespread rain to Tamil Nadu and adjacent regions. The system passed near the North Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coastline early Monday. The IMD issued a red warning for coastal districts, including Cuddalore, Chennai, Puducherry, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall and winds up to 80 kmph over the next 24 hours. Fishermen are strongly advised to avoid the sea. In Chennai, consistent rainfall was recorded, with the city prepared for potential flooding, although the weather remained relatively calm on Sunday.

Wind Warning and Advisory

Strong winds with a speed of 50-70 kmph are likely to prevail along the coast from Friday evening.

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has issued the following advisories:

• Fishermen: Advised not to venture into the sea for fishing.

• Farmers: Advised to take necessary precautions regarding agricultural activities.

• General Public: Advised to remain alert.

Emergency Contact Information

For emergency assistance, people are advised to contact the Disaster Management Authority's toll-free numbers:

• 1070

• 112

• 18004250101

Weather and Alert Status

Cyclone Ditwah's movement is being closely monitored by meteorological agencies. The system is set to bring substantial rain to the delta and adjoining districts before moving north. The RMC has sounded a Yellow alert for five south coastal and delta districts, including Ramanathapuram and Thanjavur. Furthermore, with the expected intensification of the weather system, Orange and Yellow alerts have been issued for delta and adjoining districts such as Ariyalur and Cuddalore for Friday (November 28, 2025).