Indian States Revise School Timings, Announce Early Vacations Amid Severe Heatwave

As a severe heatwave sweeps across India, pushing temperatures beyond 44°C in several regions, authorities have begun revising school timings, announcing early summer vacations, and even ordering temporary closures to safeguard students. The rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions have disrupted the academic calendar across multiple states, with urgent measures being implemented to minimise students' exposure to peak daytime heat.

With the India heatwave 2026 intensifying, several state governments have shifted school hours to early morning slots. The move aims to ensure that classes conclude before the harsh afternoon heat sets in. In Rajasthan, the Board of Secondary Education has directed schools to function from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm starting April 27, while similar timing changes have also been introduced in other states grappling with extreme heat conditions.

Revised school timings due to heatwave include: Uttar Pradesh: 7:30 am – 12:30 pm; Prayagraj (UP): 7:30 am – 12:00 pm; Jharkhand: 7:00 am – 11:30 am; Bihar (Patna): Till 11:30 am; Madhya Pradesh: 7:30 am – 12:30 pm; Odisha: 6:30 am – 10:30 am; Maharashtra: 7:00 am – 11:15 am; Rajasthan (Kota): 7:30 am – 12:30 pm. These heatwave school timing changes in India reflect growing concerns over student health and safety during extreme weather.

Apart from revised timings, several states have taken the step of preponing summer vacations or temporarily shutting schools due to the ongoing heatwave. Chhattisgarh has advanced its summer break to April 20 – June 15; Odisha schools will begin holidays from April 27; West Bengal has already started summer vacations from April 22, except in hill areas like Darjeeling; Tripura has ordered school closures from April 24 to May 1; Jharkhand authorities have advised temporary school shutdowns in severely affected districts. These decisions highlight the seriousness of the extreme heatwave in India and its impact on the education system.

For schools that remain open, authorities have introduced several heatwave safety measures for students to reduce health risks. One notable initiative is the "Water Bell" system in states like Delhi and Uttarakhand, where students are reminded at regular intervals to stay hydrated. Additionally, outdoor activities, assemblies, and sports have been restricted between 11 am and 4 pm in states like Delhi and Telangana. Classrooms are being monitored to ensure proper ventilation and hydration. However, in states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, teachers are still required to remain on campus until early afternoon hours. These steps aim to prevent heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke among students.

In Uttarakhand, rising temperatures have triggered immediate action. The Meteorological Centre reported above-normal temperatures across the plains, prompting the closure of schools and anganwadi centres in Dehradun on April 27. Dehradun temperature: 39.2°C (5°C above normal); Pantnagar: 39.8°C (highest in the state); Mukteshwar & New Tehri: Around 28.5°C (above normal). The district administration issued orders to shut all educational institutions from Classes 1 to 12 to protect students from the ongoing heatwave.

According to the latest weather updates, no major change in temperatures is expected over the next 1–2 days. However, a slight relief is likely over the following 3–4 days, with temperatures expected to drop by 3–5°C. Some hill districts, including Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh, may experience light rain, thunderstorms, or snowfall at higher altitudes above 4,400 metres. Meanwhile, Dehradun weather forecast suggests clear to partly cloudy skies, with temperatures hovering around 39°C (max) and 22°C (min).

The heatwave impact on schools in India has been significant, affecting daily schedules, attendance, and overall academic planning. With temperatures rising earlier than usual this year, authorities are being forced to rethink traditional school calendars. Experts warn that such extreme weather events could become more frequent, making climate-responsive school policies increasingly important in the future. While a slight drop in temperatures is expected in the coming days, for now, staying cautious and prepared remains essential.