India Heatwave Forces School Closures and Timings Shift Across Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Odisha

Key facts

• Delhi records 42 to 44 degrees Celsius, meeting official heatwave criteria.
• Barmer, Rajasthan, records highest temperature in the state at 46.4°C.
• Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education directs schools to run 7:30 am to 12:00 pm from April 27.
• Noida schools must conduct classes from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm effective April 27, 2026.
• Ghaziabad schools for Classes nursery to 8 run from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm.
• Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announces summer vacation from April 27.
• Uttar Pradesh suspends outdoor activities in schools.
• Delhi Disaster Management Authority coordinates implementation based on IMD inputs.

Heatwave Grips Northern and Central India

A severe heatwave is sweeping across large swaths of India, with temperatures in Delhi ranging from 42 to 44 degrees Celsius, meeting the official criteria for a heatwave, according to the India Meteorological Department. The alert signals a moderate health risk, particularly for children, the elderly, and those exposed to direct sunlight. In Rajasthan, the heatwave intensified over the weekend, with Barmer recording the highest temperature in the state at 46.4 degrees Celsius. The extreme conditions have prompted state administrations to take urgent measures to protect students and vulnerable populations.

Revised School Timings and Early Summer Vacations

In response to the soaring temperatures, multiple states have announced changes to school schedules. The district administration of Gautam Budh Nagar and Ghaziabad ordered a shift in school timings across Noida and Ghaziabad, respectively. Effective from April 27, 2026, schools in Noida must conduct classes from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm, while schools in Ghaziabad will follow the same hours for Classes nursery to 8. In Rajasthan, the Board of Secondary Education directed schools to operate from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm starting April 27. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced an early summer vacation for schools from April 27, stating, "Considering the existing heat wave condition, summer vacation has been announced earlier."

Mandatory Safety Protocols: Water Bells and Hydration Drives

To mitigate health risks, authorities are introducing a "water bell" system that reminds students to hydrate regularly. Oral rehydration solution packets may be distributed if required. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority will coordinate the implementation of these measures, issuing alerts based on inputs from the India Meteorological Department. Citywide awareness campaigns are also being planned to spread heat safety messaging. The government has urged schools to avoid open spaces as summer temperatures rise, and Uttar Pradesh has suspended all outdoor activities in schools.

Wider Impact Across States

Several other states have announced early summer vacations, revised timings, and other measures as temperatures soar across the country. The heatwave conditions, with temperatures between 42 and 45 degrees Celsius, have led state administrations to initiate urgent interventions beyond school closures, including mandatory safety protocols. Parents and students are advised to monitor official communications from their respective school boards and local education departments for the latest updates. The coordinated response underscores the severity of the ongoing heatwave and the priority placed on safeguarding children's health.

Outlook: Continued Heat and Adaptive Measures

With no immediate relief in sight, the heatwave is expected to persist, prompting further adaptive measures from authorities. The Delhi Disaster Management Authority remains on alert, ready to issue additional directives based on IMD forecasts. The early summer vacation in Odisha and the revised timings in Delhi-NCR and Rajasthan serve as a template for other regions facing similar conditions. The emphasis on hydration and avoiding peak heat hours reflects a growing recognition of the need for proactive public health interventions in the face of extreme weather events linked to climate change.

The bottom line

• Delhi records 42-44°C, meeting heatwave criteria; Barmer hits 46.4°C, highest in Rajasthan.
• Noida and Ghaziabad schools shift to 7:30 am-12:30 pm from April 27; Rajasthan schools run 7:30 am-12:00 pm.
• Odisha announces early summer vacation from April 27 due to heatwave.
• Uttar Pradesh suspends all outdoor activities in schools.
• Water bell system and ORS distribution introduced to ensure student hydration.
• Delhi Disaster Management Authority coordinates response based on IMD alerts.