North India Schools Adjust Timings Amid Severe Heatwaves

As heatwaves grip North India, states like Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have revised school timings to protect children from extreme temperatures. Schools in cities such as Bhopal and Odisha have been closed entirely. The India Meteorological Department has also issued warnings advising the public to stay indoors during peak heat hours. This article explores the measures taken by various states to ensure the safety of students amid rising temperatures.

By Ambika Singh Apr 27, 2026, 15:25 IST

Severe Heatwaves Impact School Operations

The extreme heat and heatwaves in various northern states of India have reached alarming levels, causing distress particularly among the elderly and children. In response to the soaring temperatures, states like Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have modified their school schedules. Additionally, cities such as Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh and regions in Odisha have completely closed schools to safeguard children from the harsh effects of the heat.

Revised School Timings in Uttar Pradesh

**Changes in School Hours for Noida and Lucknow**

Due to the severe heat, school hours have been adjusted in several Uttar Pradesh cities, including Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, and Bareilly. An order from the District Magistrate mandates that schools will now start at 7:30 AM and end at 12:30 PM, remaining in effect until further notice. Typically, summer vacations in Uttar Pradesh begin on May 20.

Uttarakhand Schools Also Adjust Timings

**Uttarakhand's Response to Heat**

Cities like Haridwar and Dehradun in Uttarakhand are also experiencing the heat's impact. Consequently, school hours have been revised to run from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM, with classes for grades 6 to 8 extending until 12:30 PM. This schedule will remain until May 26. Furthermore, all government, semi-government, and private schools, along with Anganwadi centers in Dehradun, are closed today as per the District Magistrate's orders.

School Closures Across Multiple States

**Odisha and Other States Declare School Holidays**

In light of the ongoing heat, Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced school holidays statewide starting April 27, 2026. Although summer vacations were initially set to begin on May 6, the government expedited this decision due to the extreme heat. Additionally, Chhattisgarh has declared school holidays until June 15, while Bhopal has announced holidays until April 30. In Bihar, several districts, including Patna, Gaya, and Aurangabad, have adjusted school hours for classes up to the 5th grade to end by 12:30 PM, with Saran (Chapra) schools concluding at 11:30 AM.

Public Advisory from IMD

**IMD Cautions Against Outdoor Activities**

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a public advisory urging individuals to avoid outdoor activities between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM due to the extreme heat conditions.