J&K schools get summer vacation from June 1 amid Jammu heatwave
Synopsis
With Jammu temperatures hitting 39.9°C and forecast to touch 45°C, the J&K government has staggered school closures across the division — primary schools from June 1, Classes 6-12 from June 8. The JMC's heatwave advisory, water-sprinkling deployments, and warnings against leaving children in parked cars paint a picture of a region under serious thermal stress well before peak summer.
Key Takeaways
J&K Education Minister Sakina Itoo announced summer vacations for Jammu Division schools on 23 May 2025 .
Primary school vacations begin June 1 ; Classes 6 to 12 get a break from June 8 .
Jammu recorded 39.9°C on Saturday — 1.5 degrees above normal ; temperatures may reach 45°C according to the JMC advisory.
The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) deployed water-sprinkling vehicles and issued public health guidance urging hydration and indoor stays during peak hours.
Special caution was issued for children, elderly citizens , and those with health conditions; residents warned not to leave vulnerable persons in parked vehicles.
Srinagar recorded 23.9°C — 1.5 degrees below normal — highlighting the sharp temperature contrast within the Union Territory.
The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday, 23 May announced summer vacations for schools across the Jammu Division in response to intensifying heatwave conditions, with temperatures in the region climbing well above seasonal norms. The decision affects students from primary level through Class 12, with staggered start dates across school categories.
Vacation Schedule and Official Announcement
Sakina Itoo, Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister, confirmed the decision via her official post on social media platform X. 'Keeping in view the prevailing weather conditions, summer vacations for schools falling under Summer Zone of Jammu Division shall commence with effect from June 1 for Primary Classes and with effect from June 8 for students of Classes 6 to 12. Wishing all students a safe and enjoyable vacation,' she said.
Heatwave Conditions and Temperature Data
The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) had earlier in the week issued a formal heatwave advisory, warning that temperatures in Jammu city are likely to reach up to 45 degrees Celsius. According to data from the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 39.9 degrees Celsius on Saturday — 1.5 degrees above normal for this period. Meanwhile, Srinagar recorded a maximum of 23.9 degrees Celsius, which was 1.5 degrees below normal.
JMC Advisory: Key Public Health Guidance
The JMC urged residents — particularly elderly citizens, children, and those with existing health conditions — to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary outdoor movement during peak daytime hours. Authorities advised wearing light cotton clothing, using umbrellas or head coverings outdoors, and maintaining adequate fluid intake throughout the day.
The civic body also issued a specific warning against leaving children or elderly persons inside parked vehicles, noting that enclosed cars can become dangerously hot within minutes under current conditions. Field workers and sanitation staff working outdoors have been directed to take regular hydration breaks.
Ground-Level Relief Measures
To provide immediate relief, the JMC has deployed water-sprinkling vehicles across several parts of the city to spray water on roads and reduce surface temperatures for commuters and pedestrians. Residents have also been asked to keep homes well-ventilated and consume adequate fluids, including water and other hydrating drinks.
This comes amid a broader pattern of early-onset summer heat across northern India in 2025, with the Jammu region — historically warmer than the Valley — bearing the sharpest rise. The school vacation decision mirrors steps taken in previous years when heatwaves in the region prompted authorities to advance academic breaks to protect student health.
What Happens Next
Schools in the Summer Zone of Jammu Division will resume after the designated vacation period. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring temperature trends and may issue further advisories if conditions worsen ahead of the monsoon onset, which typically reaches Jammu in late June or early July.
Point of View
But the underlying concern is stark: Jammu is running 1.5 degrees above normal in May, with the JMC already warning of 45°C peaks. What is less discussed is the equity dimension — children from households without air conditioning or reliable water access face disproportionate heat risk, and a school vacation without a structured midday meal replacement leaves the most vulnerable students doubly exposed. The JMC's water-sprinkling deployment is a palliative, not a solution. As early heatwaves become a recurring feature across northern India, J&K's urban heat preparedness — particularly in Jammu city — deserves longer-term infrastructure attention beyond seasonal advisories.
NationPress
23 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Jammu Division schools close for summer vacation in 2025?
Primary schools in the Summer Zone of Jammu Division will close from June 1, 2025 , while students of Classes 6 to 12 will go on vacation from June 8, 2025 . The decision was announced by J&K Education Minister Sakina Itoo on 23 May.
Why has the J&K government declared early summer vacation for Jammu schools?
The vacation was declared in response to intensifying heatwave conditions in the Jammu region, with temperatures recorded at 39.9°C — 1.5 degrees above seasonal normal — and forecasts suggesting they could reach 45°C. Authorities cited health risks to students as the primary reason.
What is the JMC heatwave advisory for Jammu residents?
The Jammu Municipal Corporation has advised residents to stay indoors during peak daytime hours, wear light cotton clothing, remain hydrated, and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Special caution has been issued for children, elderly citizens, and those with health conditions. Residents have also been warned not to leave children or elderly persons inside parked vehicles.
What relief measures has the JMC deployed during the Jammu heatwave?
The JMC has deployed water-sprinkling vehicles across several parts of Jammu city to spray water on roads and reduce surface temperatures. Field workers and sanitation staff have been instructed to take regular hydration breaks while working outdoors.
What was Jammu's temperature on 23 May 2025, and how does it compare to normal?
Jammu recorded a maximum temperature of 39.9 degrees Celsius on Saturday, 23 May 2025 — 1.5 degrees above the seasonal normal, according to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar. Srinagar, by contrast, recorded 23.9°C, which was 1.5 degrees below normal.
