Patna Schools Shut For Five Days As Temperature Touches 42°C Amid Heatwave

Patna: The continuously increasing heat and heat wave in Patna have increased the concern of the administration. Keeping in mind the health of small children, the district administration has taken a big decision and issued an order to close all schools up to class five for 5 days. District Magistrate Thiagarajan has directed that from May 22 to May 26, education from nursery to class five will remain completely closed in all government and private schools of the district. Along with this, instructions have also been given to keep preschools and Anganwadi centers closed.

Did heat wave and strong sunlight become the major reason?

The temperature has been increasing rapidly in many districts of Bihar including Patna for the last few days. The hot winds blowing in the afternoon have made the situation more difficult. The Meteorological Department is continuously issuing heatwave warnings. In such a situation, the administration acknowledged that sending small children to school in this season could be risky. The order also states that studies from classes 6 to 8 will continue, but schools will operate only till 10:30 am.

Bihar: Patna District Magistrate orders a change in school timings in view of heatwave.

In all schools, classes till std 5 will remain completely suspended. Classes for std 6 to std 8 to go on only till 10.30 am. Order to remain in effect from 22nd to 26th May. pic.twitter.com/M4SwBmZhix

— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2026

Haven't the summer holidays started yet?

Regular summer holidays have not started yet in the schools of Bihar. According to the calendar of the Education Department, summer vacation has been declared in the state from June 1 to June 20. But even before that, the increasing heat forced the administration to take additional steps. Many parents have also been demanding for the last few days that schools should be closed for small children, as the afternoon heat is becoming increasingly dangerous.

Are such decisions being taken in other states also?

Not only in Bihar, the effect of heat is clearly visible in states like Uttar Pradesh and Haryana also. The temperature is continuously rising in Lucknow and holidays have already started in many schools. At the same time, Haryana government has also declared summer holidays in all government and private schools from May 25. Schools there will now reopen on July 1.

Could the next few days become more difficult?

According to the Meteorological Department, there is little possibility of getting relief from the heat in many parts of Bihar and North India at present. Temperatures remain above normal in many districts and the effects of heat wave may continue. Doctors have advised children, elderly and sick people to take special precautions. People have been asked to avoid going out of the house in the afternoon and do not allow dehydration in the body.