Punjab weighs early summer holidays amid intensifying heat

Punjab authorities are considering starting summer vacations earlier than planned as intense heatwave conditions continue to affect daily life and disrupt classroom activity across the province.

Education officials are reviewing whether schools should close from May 27 instead of the previously expected June 1 schedule, following fresh warnings from Punjab Disaster Management Authority about unusually high temperatures between May and July.

The possibility of an earlier break has also gained traction because Eid ul Adha holidays are expected to fall between May 27 and May 29. With May 30 and 31 landing on the weekend, officials are assessing whether combining the holidays with summer vacations would be a more practical option for students and schools.

Authorities say no final notification has been issued yet, but consultations are ongoing as weather forecasts continue to show extreme heat across several districts of Punjab.

Meanwhile, Rana Sikandar Hayat has proposed broader changes to the academic calendar, including reducing the duration of summer and winter vacations while increasing annual school days from 180 to 190 to address academic losses.

Private school associations have also requested permission to organise optional summer camps during the vacation period, proposing limited morning classes from 7am to 10am to avoid peak temperatures.

A final decision regarding the revised summer break schedule is expected in the coming days.