Schools closed due to heat in several states, check the list here

With temperatures crossing 45 degrees Celsius in several regions, multiple states have either advanced or extended school summer vacations. District administrations and education departments are now prioritising student safety amid severe heatwave warnings issued by the IMD.

In Short

• Patna suspended classes up to Standard 5 from May 22 to 26
• Standards 6 to 8 in Patna will run only till 10:30 am
• Lucknow ordered immediate holidays after some schools ignored heat advisories

As severe heatwave conditions continue sweeping across large parts of India, several state governments and district administrations have either advanced summer vacations or revised school timings to protect students from extreme temperatures.

With temperatures crossing 45 degrees Celsius in many regions, authorities have cited health risks, heat-related illnesses and prolonged exposure to harsh weather as major concerns behind the decision.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has already issued warnings for severe heatwave conditions across northern, central and eastern India, prompting urgent preventive measures in schools.

BIHAR TIGHTENS RULES AS HEAT INTENSIFIES

In Bihar, the Patna District Magistrate has ordered a temporary change in school functioning due to the ongoing heatwave.

According to the directive, classes up to Standard 5 will remain completely suspended from May 22 to May 26. Meanwhile, students from Standards 6 to 8 will attend classes only till 10:30 am during this period.

The administration said the decision was taken to minimise students’ exposure to dangerous afternoon temperatures.

STATE-WISE SCHOOL HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

LUCKNOW DECLARES EARLY SUMMER HOLIDAY

In Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow District Magistrate Vishak G announced immediate summer holidays for all schools across educational boards from May 22, 2026.

The order stated that despite repeated advisories issued by the meteorological department regarding extreme heat and loo conditions, several schools had not yet declared holidays.

Calling student safety a priority, the administration directed all schools to strictly comply with the order. Officials expressed concern over children travelling and attending classes during peak heat hours.

Apart from Lucknow, districts such as Noida and Ghaziabad had already instructed schools to operate only between 7 am and 12 pm before the holiday period officially began.

STATES ACROSS INDIA EXTEND SCHOOL BREAKS

Several other states have also revised their academic calendars due to the heatwave.

In Delhi, schools are closed from May 11 to July 1. Rajasthan announced summer holidays from May 17 to June 20, while Haryana schools will remain shut from June 1 to June 30.

Punjab schools will begin holidays from May 25, with classes expected to resume on July 1 after an extended break.

Meanwhile, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh declared holidays from April 24 to June 11. Odisha advanced its holiday schedule from April 27 following reports of severe heat conditions affecting students.

Chhattisgarh is witnessing one of the longest summer breaks this year, with schools closed from April 20 to June 15.

In West Bengal, government-aided and sponsored schools are observing summer holidays from May 11 to May 31 after the state extended the break due to rising temperatures.

SCHOOLS ASKED TO FOLLOW SAFETY MEASURES

Apart from closures, education departments in multiple states have issued advisories asking schools to avoid outdoor activities, ensure proper drinking water facilities and conduct classes only during morning hours.

Authorities have also urged schools to remain alert about symptoms of heatstroke and dehydration among students.

- Ends