Amid rising temperature, Delhi government orders schools to close immediately for early vacation

As Delhi's temperature soared up to 47.4°C (117F), the government ordered schools to shut down early for the summer vacation with immediate effect until June 30, reducing the term by a few days. 

Authorities in other states that are also reeling under a severe heatwave, including Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan, have also ordered schools to close early this summer.

The Directorate of Education forcefully shut down many schools that were still open, despite an earlier directive to observe the summer break from May 11 to June 30.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of "severe heatwave conditions" this week. On May 20, the temperature in Delhi's Najafgarh suburb reached its highest point of 47.4 °C, the highest in the nation. Currently, North India is experiencing extremely high temperatures.

The states of Punjab, Haryana, and the capital city of Chandigarh are under a severe heatwave alert. For the next five days, northwest India is expected to have continuous to severe heatwave conditions, according to the IMD. They warned of the impact of the heat on health, especially for infants, elderly people, and those with chronic diseases.

At the same time, India’s southern states, including Tamil Nadu and Kerala, have been lashed by heavy rains over the past few days.

The next round of voting will take place on May 25, including in Delhi. A task force has been established by the Indian Election Commission to examine the effects of heatwaves and humidity before each round of voting.