Punjab likely to announce early summer vacations amid rising temperatures

LAHORE: The Punjab School Education Department is considering announcing early summer holidays in light of the extreme heat that is affecting the province.

Originally, the department announced summer holidays to be from June 1 to August 9. Given the current extreme heat, schools may be closed for a week earlier than the dates proposed in the original announcement.

Officials indicated that current dates are being talked about, but no official notification will be issued, effective summer holidays in Punjab schools.

Schools are currently in a modified summer schedule, which means single-shift schools will open at 7:30 am and close at 1:00 pm Monday through Thursday, and then close at 11:30 am on Friday.

Teachers must report to work until 1:30 pm unless extreme temperatures are an issue and a call is made to release staff early. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has said that the first heatwave of May will start on Thursday and last for 3–4 days.

The Met Office also indicated that temperatures in upper and central Punjab and Islamabad will be between 5°C to 7°C above normal from May 15 to 19. The PMD stated that a westerly weather system may enter the northern parts of the country the evening or night of May 19.

Local newspapers have noted that the complaints from parents and teachers regarding students suffering from heat-related illnesses are increasing, specifically in government schools without air-conditioning.