If you're in Tamil Nadu or Puducherry, you’ve probably heard the news by now. As heavy rain forecasts roll in for Monday, November 24, 2025, authorities aren't taking any chances. A slew of school holidays has been announced across multiple districts, all thanks to an intensifying Northeast monsoon and a brewing weather system in the Bay of Bengal that has everyone on high alert.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Widespread school and college holidays declared for Monday, November 24, 2025, across numerous districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
- ✓ A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a depression around November 24.
- ✓ Three teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli as a precaution. It's important to highlight
- ✓ The next potential cyclone in the region will be named 'Senyar', a name submitted by the United Arab Emirates.
- ✓ The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy rainfall warnings for several southern states, including Kerala and Karnataka.
The Domino Effect: A Wave of School Closures
It all started with the weather alerts, and soon, the official announcements began trickling in. In Kallakurichi district, District Collector M. S. Prasanth was among the first to declare a holiday for schools on Monday. It wasn't long before other districts followed suit, creating a ripple effect across the region.
Over in Ramanathapuram, District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon also confirmed a one-day holiday for schools, citing the heavy rains. The decision wasn't limited to Tamil Nadu alone. Puducherry's Home Minister, A. This brings us to Namassivayam, announced that both schools and colleges in the Puducherry and Karaikal regions would remain closed on Monday, ensuring student safety amid the downpour. Another important factor is
The list of districts joining the precautionary closure just kept growing. Holidays were also declared for schools in Virudhunagar, Thanjavur, Tiruchi, Pudukottai, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur, Ariyalur, and Karur. It’s a clear sign of just how seriously the administration is taking the IMD's forecast, prioritizing safety above all else.
Behind the Scenes: What's Brewing in the Bay.
So, what’s causing all this commotion. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been tracking a significant weather development. It all began with a cyclonic circulation that led to the formation of a low-pressure area over the Strait of Malacca and the adjoining South Andaman Sea on the morning of November 22, 2025.
According to the IMD's bulletin, this system is on the move. It's projected to travel west-northwestwards and gather strength, likely intensifying into a full-fledged depression over the southeast Bay of Bengal by around November 24th. And it doesn't stop there; the forecast suggests it will continue its path and intensify even further over the southwest Bay of Bengal in the subsequent 48 hours.
The Cyclone Question: Will We See 'Senyar'.
Naturally, with a system intensifying this much, the considerable question is whether it will develop into a cyclonic storm. While IMD scientists are closely monitoring the situation, they haven't officially confirmed it yet, promising to update everyone well in advance if a cyclone forms.
If it does become a cyclone, we already know its name: 'Senyar'. This name was contributed by the United Arab Emirates and, according to reports, typically means 'lion'. As per the official roster for naming cyclones in the North Indian Ocean, 'Senyar' is next in line. It’s a fascinating little detail in the midst of a serious weather event. Analysts note that
Precautionary Measures and Wider Alerts
The Tamil Nadu government is already in proactive mode. Recognizing the potential threat, they've deputed three teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to the southern districts. Two of these highly-trained teams have been sent to Thoothukudi, while one team is heading to Tirunelveli to be on standby.
The IMD's specific forecast has put several districts on high alert for heavy rain, including Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Sivaganga, Madurai, Virudhunagar, and Ramanathapuram. Research findings show that Collectors in all these areas have been instructed to take all necessary precautionary measures to protect residents and infrastructure. The southern districts of Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Kanniyakumari have already been experiencing widespread rainfall as the monsoon intensifies.
Ripple Effects: Warnings for Neighboring Regions
This weather system isn't just a concern for Tamil Nadu. The IMD has extended its heavy rainfall warnings to neighboring states as well. Kerala & Mahe are likely to see heavy rain from November 22nd to the 26th, while Lakshadweep and Rayalaseema were also cautioned for the 22nd and 23rd. Even coastal Karnataka is on the list for likely rainfall.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are expected to bear a significant brunt of this system. The forecast predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall, between 7 and 20 cm, in the Nicobar Islands on November 24th and 25th. This will be accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kilometers per hour. To that end, a Local Cautionary Signal-3 has been issued at Port Blair Port, and fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the Andaman Sea.
Even farmers in coastal Odisha are feeling the pressure. Expecting fresh rainfall, many have started harvesting their nearly mature paddy crops early to avoid losses. It’s a race against time and a stark reminder of how interconnected our region is when it comes to weather.
Conclusion
The bottom line is this: the widespread school closures are just the most visible sign of a much larger, developing weather story. With a low-pressure system intensifying in the Bay of Bengal and disaster response teams in position, authorities are clearly taking a "better safe than sorry" approach. It's a critical time for residents across Tamil Nadu and neighboring states to stay updated with official IMD alerts.
As we head into Monday, November 24th, all eyes will be on the Bay of Bengal to see if this system strengthens into Cyclone 'Senyar'. For now, the focus remains on safety, precaution, and weathering the heavy rains that are already upon us.
