A severe heatwave sweeping across several parts of India has forced multiple state governments to revise school timings and announce holidays, as temperatures in many regions have crossed 44°C. Authorities have introduced urgent measures to protect students from prolonged exposure to extreme heat conditions.

In several states, school schedules have been significantly adjusted to avoid peak afternoon temperatures. For example, schools in Rajasthan are now operating from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm, while Uttar Pradesh has shifted timings to 7:30 am to 12:30 pm. In Jharkhand, classes are being held from 7:00 am to 11:30 am, and in Bihar’s Patna region, schools are functioning until 11:30 am. Similar changes have been implemented in Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Kota, with most institutions advancing opening hours and reducing midday exposure to heat.

Alongside revised timings, several states have declared early summer vacations or temporary closures. States such as Chhattisgarh have advanced summer breaks to begin from April 20, while Odisha schools will close from April 27. West Bengal has already begun summer vacations from April 22, except in hill regions like Darjeeling. Tripura has ordered closures from April 24 to May 1, while Jharkhand has advised shutdowns in districts severely affected by heatwave conditions.

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In states where schools continue to function, additional safety measures have been introduced. Systems like the “Water Bell” initiative in Delhi and Uttarakhand ensure students are reminded to drink water regularly throughout the day. Outdoor activities, assemblies, and sports sessions have been restricted during peak heat hours, typically between 11 am and 4 pm, in states such as Delhi and Telangana to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Classroom safety is also being closely monitored, with emphasis on ventilation and hydration in schools that remain open. Teachers in states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh are required to remain on campus until early afternoon, ensuring supervision during school hours. Authorities have stressed the importance of preventing conditions such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke among students during this period of extreme weather.

In Uttarakhand, rising temperatures have prompted immediate closures in Dehradun, where all schools from Classes 1 to 12 have been shut by district authorities. Officials across states have urged parents and schools to strictly follow advisories as the heatwave persists, with warnings that continued caution remains essential despite expectations of slight weather relief in the coming days.

Also Read: IMD Forecasts Heatwave Conditions Across Multiple Indian States For 4–5 Days