The city of Chennai has woken up to a day of disruption as the influence of Cyclone Ditwah has prompted authorities to take precautionary measures. In response to the severe weather forecast, all schools and colleges within the Chennai district have been ordered to remain closed on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert, signaling the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall and squally winds, putting the coastal regions on high alert.
IMD's Severe Weather Forecast and Warnings
The meteorological office has painted a concerning picture for several districts. The IMD expects isolated places over Tiruvallur and Chennai districts to receive between 12 to 20 cm of rain within a 24-hour period. This qualifies as heavy to very heavy rainfall. Other districts, including Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, and Ranipet, are also forecast to experience heavy showers.
Beyond the torrential rain, the cyclone's influence will bring forceful winds. An IMD bulletin warned that squally winds with speeds reaching 45-55 kmph are likely to prevail over North Coastal and adjoining districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The sea conditions are predicted to be rough and dangerous for navigation.
Precautionary Measures and Public Safety Advisories
The primary immediate action has been the closure of educational institutions to ensure the safety of students and staff. The decision was officially announced citing the 'Ditwah' cyclone and the heavy rainfall warning. This move aims to prevent any untoward incidents during commute and school hours.
In a critical advisory for those at sea, the IMD has explicitly warned fishermen. They are urged to avoid venturing into the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, along and off the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south coastal Andhra Pradesh. This warning, which also includes the Gulf of Mannar and Comorin area, is effective until December 2.
Wider Impact Across the Region
The weather disturbance is not confined to Chennai alone. The IMD has predicted that light to moderate rainfall will occur at a few places over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, including the Karaikal area. These areas may also experience thunderstorms and lightning at one or two places.
The situation underscores the recurring vulnerability of coastal Tamil Nadu to intense weather systems during the monsoon and post-monsoon periods. The orange alert indicates that authorities and citizens need to be prepared for significant weather-related disruptions, including potential waterlogging in low-lying areas and damage from strong gusts of wind.
Residents are advised to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, avoid areas prone to flooding, and heed all official updates from the state disaster management authority and the IMD. The next 24 hours are crucial as the system's impact is fully realized across the northern coastal districts of the state.
