As the southwest monsoon develops over northern India, school activities are beginning to reflect the changing climate. Jammu and Kashmir has extended the school holidays till July 26, while neighboring Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand remain on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted rain across the region in the coming days.The move in Jammu and Kashmir comes as the administration adjusts from prolonged heatwave and prepares for heavy rains. Schools that were supposed to reopen on July 20 after summer vacation will now be closed for another week.
J&K extends school holidays
The Jammu and Kashmir government announced on Tuesday that the summer vacation of the entire state and the popular schools of Kashmir Division and Winter Zones of Jammu Division have been extended till July 26.Education Minister Sakina Ittoo announced this through the X website.“Keeping the safety and well-being of students, teachers and their families as a top priority, the summer vacation of the entire state and the popular schools of Kashmir Division and Winter Zones of Jammu Division are extended till 26 July 2026.”Schools will resume their activities from Monday, July 27.The minister has also asked the people living in the area to be cautious.“I’m asking everyone to be safe, be vigilant and follow the instructions that are involved. I wish everyone good health and safety.”The schools were closed for the start of summer vacation from July 6 due to extreme heat. They are expected to reopen on July 20 before announcing the expansion.
IMD predicts heavy rainfall
According to the IMD forecast issued on July 22, heavy rainfall is expected in Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan and Muzaffarabad between July 22 and July 24.The weather office has also predicted rain in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand between July 22 and July 27.The forecast has prompted officials to keep a close eye on the situation as the monsoon continues to intensify in the Himalayan region.
There is no school closure order yet in Himachal, Uttarakhand
Despite the monsoon, the state governments or education departments of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have not declared school holidays so far.Students, parents and schools in both states are advised to refer to information provided by state and local governments, as school closure decisions may depend on local weather conditions.Any new announcement regarding cancellation of classes or extension of vacation is expected to be made by the concerned authorities if the weather conditions worsen.Decisions to close schools are usually made by regional superintendents or state education departments depending on the situation. Until new orders are issued, students should only rely on official information and avoid unconfirmed information spread on social media.