The Delhi government has ordered all private and government-aided schools in the capital city to close for summer vacation with immediate effect till June 30. The decision was made in light of the soaring temperatures in the region.
According to a circular issued by the Directorate of Education, many schools are still open during the ongoing heatwaves, despite an earlier directive to all schools to observe the summer break from May 11 to June 30.
North India is currently experiencing severe temperatures. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), on May 20, Najafgarh in New Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 47.4°C, Agra in Uttar Pradesh recorded a maximum temperature of 47.4°C, Ganganagar in Rajasthan recorded a maximum temperature of 46.3°C, and Gandhinagar in Gujarat recorded a maximum temperature of 45.0°C.
The IMD has issued a severe heatwave red alert for the states of Punjab, Haryana, and the capital, Chandigarh. The weather agency has predicted continued heatwave to severe heatwave conditions over the next five days in northwest India.
The IMD has also warned of impending heatwave to severe heatwave conditions over many parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Rajasthan. Heatwave conditions are also expected over parts of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Saurashtra, and Kutch on May 23.