In response to the severe heatwave conditions, the Delhi government has ordered all private schools in the city to commence summer vacation immediately, lasting until June 30. This directive was issued on Monday as temperatures in the capital soared.

According to the circular from the Delhi government, "All the Heads of Schools of DoE were directed to observe Summer Vacation from 11.05.2024 (Sunday) to 30.06.2024 (Sunday) for the Academic Year 2024-25. However, it has been observed that some of the government-aided and unaided recognised private schools are still open during ongoing severe heat waves."

The circular further advised, "All these schools are advised to close schools for summer vacation with immediate effect."

This year, the summer break spans 50 days due to the unusually high temperatures. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a particularly hot summer for Delhi compared to previous years.

On Monday, Delhi residents experienced a warm morning with temperatures starting at 29.2 degrees Celsius, which is three degrees above the seasonal average. Temperatures are expected to reach 45 degrees Celsius.

Neighboring states have also declared early summer vacations due to the intense heat wave affecting the region.

The decision is aimed at safeguarding students' health and well-being amid the dangerously high temperatures.

The IMD has predicted severe heatwave conditions starting May 18 in various states including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

In Haryana, the Directorate of School Education has instructed all educational institutions to close due to temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. An orange alert for severe heat waves has been issued for southern Punjab and Haryana, with schools scheduled to reopen on July 1, 2024.

Punjab has similarly announced summer vacations for all schools from June 1 to June 30. In Rajasthan, the government has mandated a summer break for all schools and prohibited additional classes from May 17 to June 30.