Heatwave Alert 2026: School Closures & Timing Changes in Delhi, Odisha, Rajasthan & More

India is currently witnessing an intense and widespread heatwave, with temperatures soaring across multiple regions. From northern plains to eastern and central states, the impact of extreme heat has prompted urgent action by state governments to safeguard school children.

Several states, including Delhi, Odisha, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and others, have either revised school timings or declared early summer vacations.

Heatwave Alert Across India: School Closures & Revised Timings

Recent reports suggest that a majority of the world's hottest cities are currently in India, highlighting the severity of the situation. As a result, authorities are prioritising student safety by reducing exposure to peak heat hours and implementing strict guidelines in schools.

Widespread Impact of Heatwave in India

The ongoing heatwave has affected major regions including North India, Eastern India, and parts of Central India. Cities in states like Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh are recording unusually high temperatures. The extreme conditions have increased the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, especially among school-going children.

To combat this, state governments and district administrations are actively modifying school schedules and enforcing precautionary measures.

Delhi-NCR: Strict Heatwave Protocols in Schools

In Delhi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has introduced a series of safety measures under the heatwave action plan. Schools are now required to ring a bell every 45 to 60 minutes to remind students to stay hydrated.

Additionally, all schools must submit compliance reports to the Directorate of Education under guidelines issued by the India Meteorological Department by May 2, 2026.

Outdoor activities such as morning assemblies, sports, and physical training have been strictly prohibited between 11 AM and 4 PM. These measures are also being followed across NCR regions like Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram.

Rajasthan: Revised Morning School Timings

In Rajasthan, the Sikar district administration has adjusted school hours to avoid peak heat exposure. Classes from pre-primary to Class 8 will now be conducted from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM with immediate effect. The move aims to ensure students return home before temperatures reach dangerous levels.

Jharkhand: Uniform Early Schedule Across Schools

The government of Jharkhand has implemented uniform school timings across the state. Classes from KG to Class 8 will run from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM, while Classes 9 to 12 will continue until 12:00 PM. This structured approach ensures consistency and safety for all students.

Odisha: Summer Vacations Preponed

In Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced the early commencement of summer vacations from April 27, 2026. This proactive decision reflects the severity of the heatwave and aims to completely eliminate students' exposure to extreme conditions.

Other States Implement Similar Measures

Several other states have also revised school schedules:

• Uttar Pradesh: Schools operating between 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM
• Prayagraj: Classes till 12:00 PM
• Patna: Schools functioning till 11:30 AM
• Madhya Pradesh: Timings set from 7:30 AM - 12:30 PM
• Maharashtra: Schools operating from 7:00 AM - 11:15 AM

These revised schedules are designed to minimise exposure during peak afternoon heat.

Dehradun: Complete School Closure Announced

In Dehradun, the district administration has declared summer vacations starting April 27, 2026. This applies to all government, private, and non-government schools from Classes 1 to 12, along with all Anganwadi centres.

Focus on Student Safety and Health

Authorities across states are emphasising preventive measures such as:

• Avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours
• Encouraging frequent hydration
• Reducing school hours
• Monitoring students for heat-related symptoms

These steps are crucial in preventing health risks like heatstroke and dehydration.

Conclusion

The ongoing heatwave has triggered widespread changes in school operations across India. From revised timings to early vacations and strict safety protocols, governments are taking decisive steps to protect students. As temperatures continue to rise, adherence to these guidelines by schools, parents, and students will be essential in ensuring safety during this extreme weather period.