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The Delhi government has ordered all private and government-aided schools to close for summer vacation with immediate effect due to the ongoing heatwave. The Directorate of Education issued a circular on Monday, May 8, 2024, directing all schools to observe summer vacation from May 11 to June 30 for the current academic year.
The decision was taken after it was observed that some schools were still open despite the severe heatwave conditions. The government has advised all heads of government-aided and unaided recognized private schools in Delhi to close the schools for summer vacation with immediate effect.
A severe heatwave has gripped Delhi and neighboring NCR in the last few days, with temperatures soaring to record highs. Najafgarh in southwest Delhi recorded a sweltering 47.8 degrees Celsius on Sunday, the highest temperature recorded in the country so far this season. The average temperature of the city on Sunday was 44.4 degrees, Saturday's temperature was 43.6 degrees Celsius, up from 42.5 degrees Celsius on Friday.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heat wave conditions in many parts of Delhi and severe heatwave conditions in other areas, issuing a red alert for the next five days. A red warning implies that local agencies must act to prevent extreme heat-related emergencies.
The IMD has forecast a gradual rise by about 2-3°C in maximum temperatures over many parts of northwest and central India in the next 5 days. Senior scientist at IMD, Naresh Kumar, said that the current heatwave situation will prevail for the next week. He added that this scenario will continue for the next 5 days in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana, and heatwaves will also prevail in North MP for the next 3-4 days.
Source: Close schools for summer vacation immediately, says Delhi govt amid heatwave