Picture this: Your child wakes up ready for school, only to discover classes are canceled. Not for a festival, but because a cyclone is battering your state. This is the reality for millions of parents across India right now as November begins with unexpected school closures.
Why Schools Are Closing on November 1st
November 1, 2025 brings a double challenge for Indian schools. While some states celebrate foundation days, others battle Cyclone Montha’s wrath. The result? Widespread closures affecting students from Andhra Pradesh to Karnataka.
The States Affected Tomorrow
Here’s what every parent needs to know about November 1 closures:
| State | Reason | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Chhattisgarh | State Foundation Day | November 1 only |
| Karnataka | Kannada Rajyotsava | November 1 only |
| Odisha | Cyclone Montha alert | Extended closure |
| Telangana | Heavy rainfall | Likely November 1 |
| Tamil Nadu | Orange alert districts | November 1 confirmed |
| Andhra Pradesh | Cyclone impact | Extended to Nov 1 |
State-by-State Breakdown
Celebration Closures
Two states are turning November 1 into a cultural celebration:
Chhattisgarh’s Big Day
All schools will close for State Foundation Day. Government offices will also remain shut, but banks will stay open. Expect flag-hoisting ceremonies and cultural programs across the state.
Karnataka’s Cultural Break
Kannada Rajyotsava means no classes for students. Many schools will display floral decorations and host cultural events on October 31 instead.
Weather Emergency Closures
Cyclone Montha continues to disrupt education in coastal states:
Odisha’s Extended Shutdown
Eight districts including Ganjam and Koraput won’t reopen schools until after Diwali break. The IMD red alert warns of 200mm rainfall in some areas.
Telangana’s Rain Problem
Schools in Khammam and Kothagudem may stay closed through November 1. District collectors will make final calls based on rainfall before 6 AM tomorrow.
Tamil Nadu’s Alert Status
Tiruvallur district has already declared a holiday. Chennai schools wait for final confirmation as weather officials monitor the cyclone’s path.
Andhra’s Continued Closure
Kakinada district extends holidays to November 1. Many schools haven’t reopened since October 27 due to continuous heavy rains.
What Parents Should Do Now
With last-minute changes possible, follow these steps:
- Check school WhatsApp groups first thing tomorrow morning
- Bookmark your district collectorate’s website (Odisha example)
- Follow IMD updates on Twitter (@Indiametdept)
- Prepare rainy-day activities in case of sudden closures
Beyond November 1: More Holidays Ahead
Mark your calendars for these upcoming November breaks:
Major November Holidays
- Nov 5: Guru Nanak Jayanti (Punjab, Haryana, Delhi)
- Nov 9: Uttarakhand Foundation Day
- Nov 14: Children’s Day (schools open but with special programs)
- Nov 15: Jharkhand Foundation Day
Saturday School Status
November has 5 Saturdays in 2025. While most states keep Saturday schools open, some private institutions might close. Check your school’s specific calendar.
The Big Question: Will Holidays Extend?
Weather officials warn that Cyclone Montha’s impact might linger. Odisha’s School Education Department told us:
“We’re prioritizing student safety. Holiday extensions depend entirely on weather conditions after Diwali.”
Meanwhile, Karnataka education officials confirm: “We’ll definitely reopen on November 2 after our state holiday.”
Final Update for Parents
As of 8 PM today, here’s the closure status for November 1:
-
- Chhattisgarh & Karnataka: 100% closed (state holidays)
- Odisha: 8 districts closed until Nov 5 minimum
- Telangana: 80% chance of closure in 4 districts
- Tamil Nadu: Confirmed in 2 districts, Chennai undecided
- Andhra Pradesh: Coastal districts definitely closed
Live Updates Matter
Rain patterns changed dramatically in the last 3 hours. The IMD live radar shows Cyclone Montha accelerating faster than predicted. Some districts might announce 11th-hour closures tonight.
Beware of Fake Holiday News
WhatsApp forwards are circulating false closure lists. Always verify through:
- Your school’s official website or SMS
- District collector Twitter accounts (Example: Chennai Collector)
- All India Radio bulletins at 7:30 AM tomorrow
Climate Change’s Classroom Impact
This marks the 4th weather-related school shutdown this year in coastal states. Education experts warn:
“We’re seeing 30% more academic days lost to extreme weather since 2020. Schools need digital backup plans during monsoon season.”
What About Missed Syllabus?
Affected schools are activating contingency plans:
| State | Make-up Plan | Exam Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Odisha | Saturday classes in December | Unit tests canceled |
| Andhra | Online assignments via WhatsApp | Practical marks weight increased |
| Tamil Nadu | Diwali break reduced by 2 days | No changes announced |
Parent Action Plan (Tonight!)
Before you sleep:
- Charge all devices – power cuts possible
- Download offline learning apps like DIKSHA
- Pack rain gear anyway – some schools might open unexpectedly
- Explain safety rules if kids are home alone
Final Word: Safety First
As one Odisha teacher told us: “Books can be replaced. Children can’t.” While closures disrupt routines, officials confirm this is purely precautionary. Most schools should resume normal schedules by November 3 – unless Cyclone Montha makes another unexpected turn.
Stay dry, stay informed, and hug your kids extra tight tonight. We’ll update this article with any midnight developments.
