As the southwest monsoon intensifies over northern India, school operations are starting to reflect the changing weather. Jammu and Kashmir has extended school holidays till July 26, while neighboring Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand remain alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted widespread rainfall in 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, which were due to reopen on July 20 after the summer holidays, will now remain closed for another week.
Johnson & Johnson extends school holidays
The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday announced that the summer vacation for all government and recognized private schools in the winter zone of Kashmir Division and Jammu Division has been extended till July 26.Education Minister Sakina Ittoo announced the decision through 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 winter zones of Kashmir and Jammu regions is hereby extended till July 26, 2026.”Schools will resume normal teaching from Monday 27 July.The minister also called on residents to remain cautious.“I ask everyone to stay safe, remain vigilant and follow the advice issued by the relevant authorities. I wish everyone good health and safety.”Due to the severe heat wave weather, the school was originally scheduled to have summer vacation from July 6. They expected to reopen on July 20 before the extension was announced.
IMD predicts widespread rainfall
According to the forecast issued by IMD on July 22, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan and Muzaffarabad are likely to receive considerable to widespread rainfall between July 22 and 24.The weather department has also predicted widespread rainfall in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand from July 22 to 27.The forecast prompted authorities to closely monitor the situation as the monsoon intensifies in the Himalayan region.
No school closure order yet in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh
Despite expected rains, the governments or education departments of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have so far not declared a state-wide school holiday.Students, parents and schools in both states are advised to continue to check official notifications issued by their respective state governments and local authorities as the decision to close schools may depend on local weather conditions.If weather conditions worsen, authorities are expected to issue new announcements about school closures or extended holidays.Decisions to close schools are generally made by district administrations or state education departments based on local circumstances. Before any new orders are issued, students should rely only on official notifications and avoid spreading unverified information on social media.