In the national capital, the Directorate of Education has ordered a complete summer break for schools from May 11 to June 30, 2026, with classes set to resume on July 1. The 50-day closure reflects the severity of prevailing heat conditions in Delhi, where the mercury continues to remain dangerously high. While the decision provides relief from classroom exposure to extreme heat, it also presents significant logistical challenges for families managing an extended break during peak summer intensity.
Delhi is among several states that have advanced their academic calendars in response to rising temperatures. Odisha closed schools from April 27, while West Bengal began its summer break from April 22, with the exception of the cooler hill region of Darjeeling. Chhattisgarh has implemented one of the longest vacation periods, closing schools from April 20 to June 15, citing sustained exposure to unsafe classroom conditions due to severe heat.
In regions where full closures have not been implemented, authorities have significantly reduced school hours to avoid the peak afternoon heat. In Noida and Ghaziabad, school timings have been restricted to 7:30 am to 12:00 pm. Jharkhand has shortened the school day to conclude by 11:30 am. Maharashtra has adopted a schedule from 7:00 am to 11:15 am, while Rajasthan follows the same timing pattern as Noida, prioritizing early morning academic sessions to protect students from rising midday temperatures.
Uttar Pradesh has also announced summer vacations for primary and secondary schools from May 20 to June 15. The directive impacts millions of students across major urban centers including Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi, where rising temperatures continue to strain daily life despite the academic break.
The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings of further temperature escalation in the coming days, with conditions expected to intensify before any seasonal relief arrives. Punjab has been specifically flagged for a notable weather shift, with forecasts indicating a brief period of light rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds between Monday and Wednesday. This temporary system may reduce maximum temperatures to between 38 and 40 degrees Celsius.
However, for Delhi, even 38 degrees Celsius offers little respite, as the city continues to endure prolonged heatwave conditions. Meteorological projections suggest that the most severe phase of the summer may still lie ahead before the arrival of the monsoon season.
Authorities across states and education departments have issued consistent advisories urging residents to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours, maintain adequate hydration, and avoid direct sun exposure between 11 am and 4 pm. With extreme heat conditions persisting, India’s educational and administrative systems are rapidly adapting to an increasingly severe and prolonged summer season.
The nationwide response underscores the growing impact of climate extremes on public infrastructure, particularly education, as governments prioritize student safety amid one of the most intense heatwaves in recent years.a
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