Uttar Pradesh keeps schools closed until June 24 amid heatwave
Uttar Pradesh is sweltering under a harsh heat wave, with Banda and Prayagraj hitting over 43 degrees Celsius this week.
Because the southwest monsoon is running late, the state government has decided to keep schools closed for summer vacation until June 24 to keep students safe.
IMD attributes heat to clear skies
India Meteorological Department scientist Atul Kumar Singh says the extreme heat is mostly due to clear skies and the sun being almost overhead, so not much relief for now.
Some scattered rain or storms might pop up through June 18, but don't count on any real monsoon showers just yet.
Schools were scheduled to reopen on Tuesday (earlier this week), but will now start regular classes on June 25.
Authorities have also asked schools to make sure uninterrupted electricity, drinking water, and basic facilities are ready when students return.