Kashmir heatwave calls for school closures, early summer vacations as rising mercury grips valley, touches 35.5C | Today’s news
The heat wave in Kashmir has prompted the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) to declare summer vacation for all government and recognized private schools. Schools in the Kashmir Valley will remain closed from July 6 to July 19 as it witnessed one of the hottest months in over two decades. The region is bracing for a sharp rise in mercury and another heatwave after several days of downpours.
Schools up to the upper secondary level will remain closed during the announced period as per official order. Classes will resume from July 20 after a vacation due to the rise in temperatures in Kashmir in the last few days. This early summer break comes after the driest June since 2014. India saw nearly 40% less rainfall than normal last month and recorded its driest June in 12 years. With 40% less precipitation than normal, it was the fifth driest month since 1901.
“Subsequent to the approval granted by the competent authority, all government and recognized private schools up to higher secondary level operating in Kashmir Division are hereby ordered to observe summer vacation from 06/07/2026 to 19/07/2026,” the DSEK notification said.
IMD director general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said on Tuesday that rainfall this month is expected to be less than 94% of the long-term average of about 28 centimeters, which he attributes to the El Niño weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean.
Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo took to social media platform X to advise students to take necessary measures against the heat and stay safe during the holidays by staying hydrated.
The post said, “In view of the prevailing weather conditions in the Kashmir Valley, all government and recognized private schools will observe summer vacation from July 6 to July 19, 2026. Schools will reopen on July 20, 2026.”
Extending her wishes ahead of the summer break, she added: “The well-being and safety of our students remains our top priority. I wish all our students, teachers and school staff a safe, healthy and refreshing holiday. I also encourage everyone to stay hydrated, take the necessary precautions during the heat and use this time to rest, read and have meaningful family gatherings.”
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum and minimum daily temperatures remained 5-6 °C and 4-6 °C above normal in most parts of Kashmir, indicating persistent heatwave-like conditions. In Jammu division, the maximum and minimum temperatures were 0-2 ℃ and 1-4 ℃ above normal at many places.
Srinagar recorded one of the highest maximum temperatures in Kashmir division at 35.2°C, while Jammu city was the hottest in Jammu division with a maximum temperature of 36.3°C. The maximum temperature rose to 35.5°C in Kashmir’s Konibal and 35.4°C in Kupwara.
5 day weather forecast for Jammu and Kashmir
Forecasting the possibility of heavy rains, flash floods, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds till July 5, the IMD issued a yellow alert for Kashmir and an orange alert for Jammu division.
The monsoon is expected to cover most of northwest India
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the prevailing atmospheric conditions indicate that the Southwest Monsoon has advanced further into Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana and Punjab today.
