The India Meteorological Department on Wednesday forecast heavy rain in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and South Rayalaseema in the next two days. The weather department said a well-marked low pressure area has developed over southwest Bay of Bengal and coastal Tamil Nadu, with “associated cyclonic circulation” extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level.

Chennai District Collector Shanmugha Sundaram has ordered all schools and colleges in the district to remain closed on Thursday, The News Minute reported. A holiday has been declared for educational institutions in neighbouring Kancheepuram district as well.

The forecast comes days after Cyclone Gaja made landfall in Tamil Nadu. On November 19, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edapaddi Palaniswami had said the toll from Cyclone Gaja had gone up to 45 as protests erupted in a few districts over the administration’s alleged failure to provide assistance, PTI reported.

Over the last 24 hours, rain showers were reported in parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Goa, Maharashtra, Rayalseema and Kerala.