Record Heat Prompts School Timing Changes News24 –

Jammu and Kashmir: For the second consecutive day, Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has set a new high temperature record, with the mercury soaring to 35.5 degrees Celsius on Friday. This surpasses yesterday’s reading of 35.2 degrees, marking the hottest day of the season thus far. According to independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif Keng, this temperature is the highest recorded in June since June 25, 2005, and the warmest since 1988.

The intense heatwave has persisted across Kashmir for four straight days, prompting authorities to take action to ensure the well-being of students. In response to the soaring temperatures, the Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister, Sakina Itoo, announced significant changes to school timings within the municipal limits of Srinagar and across the Kashmir Valley.

Effective June 21, all government and private recognized schools within Srinagar city will adjust their hours to operate from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Schools located outside municipal limits will follow a slightly different schedule, functioning from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

In addition to the timing adjustments, Itoo declared that both private and government schools in the Kashmir division will observe a ten-day summer break from July 1 to July 10. The minister emphasized that this decision was made in light of the severe heatwave conditions affecting the region. “After July 10, we will review the weather conditions and take the call on extending the vacation accordingly,” she said.

As people in Valley brace for continued high temperatures, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The local meteorological department has predicted rain and thunderstorms starting tomorrow, which may provide some relief from the sweltering heat.

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