Several states announce early summer vacations as heatwave intensifies

Several state governments across India have revised school summer vacation schedules as heatwave conditions intensify in many parts of the country, with temperatures crossing 45 degrees Celsius in several regions.

Authorities have either advanced or extended holidays for government and private schools, citing student safety, health concerns, and prolonged exposure to extreme heat.

Education departments in many states have also issued advisories directing schools to avoid outdoor activities, ensure drinking water availability, and take preventive measures against heat-related illnesses.

States such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar, Punjab, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal have already announced revised schedules as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) continues issuing heatwave warnings across northern, central, and eastern India.

Apart from declaring vacations, several districts have temporarily shifted school operations to morning hours until the summer break officially begins.

Authorities in areas including Noida and Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh have instructed schools to conduct classes only between 7 am and 12 pm due to rising daytime temperatures.

Education departments in multiple states have also issued advisories asking schools to avoid outdoor assemblies and sports activities while taking preventive steps against heat-related illnesses among students.

In Delhi, schools will remain closed from May 11 to July 1, 2026, as authorities respond to prolonged high temperatures in the national capital.

The Uttar Pradesh government has scheduled summer vacations from May 20 to June 15, 2026. Before the holidays begin, several districts in the state have already shifted to early morning classes to reduce students’ exposure to extreme afternoon heat.

The Rajasthan government has announced summer vacations from May 17 to June 20, 2026, amid continuing heatwave conditions across the state.

Schools in Bihar will observe summer vacations from June 1 to June 20, 2026.

The Haryana government has directed schools to remain closed from June 1 to June 30, 2026, and instructed institutions to strictly follow the revised schedule due to increasing temperatures.

Punjab schools will begin summer vacations from May 25, 2026, according to the official notification. Classes are expected to resume on July 1 after an extended break linked to severe heatwave conditions.

Both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh declared summer holidays from April 24 to June 11, 2026, making them among the earliest states to suspend regular classes this season.

The Odisha government advanced summer vacations, beginning April 27, 2026, after reports of intense heat affecting students in different districts.

Schools in Chhattisgarh are observing one of the longest vacation periods this year, with holidays scheduled from April 20 to June 15, 2026.

In West Bengal, government-aided and sponsored schools are currently observing summer vacations from May 11 to May 31, 2026.

The state School Education Department extended the holiday period because of ongoing heatwave conditions. Regular classes are expected to resume from June 1.

With heatwave warnings continuing across multiple regions, more states may review school schedules if temperatures remain unusually high in the coming weeks.