As the southwest monsoon strengthens in northern India, school operations are beginning to reflect climate change. Jammu and Kashmir has extended school holidays till July 26, while neighboring Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand remain on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rain across the region in the coming days.The move in Jammu and Kashmir comes as authorities shift from dealing with a prolonged heat wave to preparing for heavy rains. Schools that were scheduled to reopen on July 20 after summer vacation will remain closed for another week.
J&K extends school holidays
The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday announced that the summer vacation for all government and recognized private schools in Kashmir division and winter zones in Jammu division has been extended till July 26.Education Minister Sakina Ittoo announced the decision via a post on X.“Keeping the safety and well-being of students, teachers and their families as our top priority, summer vacation for all government and recognized private schools in Kashmir division and winter zones in Jammu division is extended till July 26, 2026.”Schools will resume their routine from Monday 27 July.The minister has also appealed to neighbors to be cautious.“I ask everyone to stay safe, stay vigilant and follow the warnings issued by the appropriate authorities. I wish everyone good health and safety.”Schools had originally closed for summer vacation from July 6 due to intense heat waves. They were expected to reopen on July 20 before the expansion was announced.
The IMD predicts widespread rain
According to the IMD forecast issued on July 22, widespread to widespread rains are likely over Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan and Muzaffarabad between July 22 and 24.The weather office has also forecast widespread rain over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand between July 22 and 27.The forecast has prompted authorities to closely monitor the situation as the monsoon intensifies in the Himalayan region.
There is still no school closure order in Himachal, Uttarakhand
Despite the forecast of rain, the governments or education departments of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have so far not announced school holidays across the state.Students, parents and schools in both states are advised to keep checking the official notifications issued by the respective state governments and local authorities as decisions on school closures may depend on local weather conditions.The relevant authorities are expected to make a further announcement regarding the suspension of classes or the extension of holidays if the weather situation worsens.Decisions to close schools are generally made by district administrations or state education departments based on local conditions. Until any new order is issued, students should rely only on official notifications and avoid unverified information from circulating on social media.