Heatwave in Tamil Nadu, authorities postpones reopening of schools

The reopening of schools in Tamil Nadu was postponed on Tuesday due to the state’s ongoing heatwave. Schools will reopen for grades 6th through 12th on June 12 and for grades 1st through 5th on June 14.

The Tamil Nadu School Education Department reveals “Chief Minister MK Stalin orders that the reopening of schools is postponed to protect the health of students from the effects of rising temperature. Schools will reopen for classes 6th to 12th from June 12 and classes 1st to 5th from June 14.”

For those unversed, the schools were scheduled to reopen on 7 June, as earlier announced by the School Education Department.  However, activists and parents have expressed alarm over the weather and high temperatures in recent weeks.

This move seeks to prioritize students’ safety and comfort in the face of inclement weather. The state is experiencing scorching weather, with the threat of heat waves, and hence the reopening of schools has been delayed.

During the next two days, the maximum temperature is expected to be 39°C-41°C, or roughly 2°C-4°C above normal in a few areas in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Heatwave conditions are likely to continue at one or two pockets in interior Tamil Nadu during the next two days, stated India Meteorological Department (IMD).