Punjab schools considering early summer vacations

LAHORE: The Punjab School Education Department is mulling over starting summer vacations earlier than planned as a severe heatwave grips the province.

Initially, the department had announced vacations from June 1 to August 9. However, with temperatures soaring, there is a possibility that schools may shut down a week earlier than scheduled.

Officials said that while the dates have been discussed, no official notification has been issued yet reagrding the summer vacations in Punjab schools.

Currently, schools are following a revised summer schedule. Single-shift schools are operating from 7:30am to 1:00pm, Monday to Thursday, and till 11:30am on Fridays. Teachers are required to stay till 1:30pm.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that the first heatwave of May will begin from Thursday and is expected to last for three to four days.

Pakistan faces intensifying heat, starting today

According to the Met Office, temperatures in upper and central Punjab — including Islamabad — will remain 5°C to 7°C above normal between May 15 and 19.

A westerly weather system is likely to enter northern parts of the country on the evening or night of May 19, the PMD added.

Local newspapers have reported increasing complaints from parents and teachers regarding heat-related illnesses among students, especially in government schools lacking air-conditioning.