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Bihar Heatwave: Schools Reschedule Classes for Young Students Amid Rising Temperatures

The District Magistrate of Patna has ordered all schools and Anganwadi centres to reschedule academic timings for students up to Class V, prohibiting activities after 12:30 PM due to severe heatwave conditions. The order, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, is in effect from April 21 to April 25, 2026. The India Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave warning for large parts of Bihar, with temperatures expected to reach 40-42°C and high humidity increasing discomfort. Residents are advised to avoid peak afternoon heat and stay hydrated to protect vulnerable groups.

Key Points: Bihar Heatwave Prompts School Schedule Changes for Young Kids

  • Classes rescheduled for young students
  • Order effective April 21-25, 2026
  • Heatwave warning for multiple Bihar districts
  • Temperatures expected to hit 40-42°C
2 min read

Bihar heatwave: Schools and Anganwadi centres asked to reschedule classes till class 5 ​

Patna DM orders schools & Anganwadis to reschedule classes for students up to Class V after 12:30 PM due to severe heatwave warning.

"the prevailing heat conditions pose a serious risk to life - District Magistrate Tyagarajan SM"

Patna, April 20

Amid rising temperatures and humid conditions across Bihar, the District Magistrate of Patna, Tyagarajan SM, has issued an order directing all government and private schools, as well as Anganwadi centres, to reschedule academic timings for young students.​

Citing concerns over children's health and safety, the District Magistrate stated that the prevailing heat conditions pose a serious risk to life.​

Exercising powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, he ordered that no academic activities for students up to Class V, including pre-schools and Anganwadi centres, be conducted after 12:30 PM.​

School authorities have been directed to immediately adjust their schedules in accordance with the order.​

The directive will come into effect from April 21, 2026, and remain in force until April 25, 2026, across the district.​

Students above class 6 will stay at the school as per the schedule.​

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department's Meteorological Centre in Patna has issued a heatwave warning for large parts of the state.​

According to officials, heatwave conditions are likely to prevail across Northwest, Central, and East Bihar in the coming days, with temperatures expected to rise further between April 22 and 24.​

Districts likely to be severely affected include West and East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, and Saran in northwestern Bihar; Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Vaishali, and Samastipur in north-central Bihar; and Patna, Arwal, Jehanabad, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Kaimur, Nalanda, Nawada, and Gaya in southern Bihar.​

Temperatures are expected to range from 40°C to 42°C, while high humidity could significantly increase the "feels-like" temperature, intensifying discomfort.​

In view of the worsening heatwave, residents have been advised to avoid stepping outdoors during peak afternoon hours.​

The weather department has also urged people to stay hydrated, wear light, breathable clothing, and take special precautions for vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Good step, but only for 5 days? The heatwave warning extends beyond that. What about after the 25th? The order should be more flexible and linked to actual weather warnings from IMD, not just a fixed calendar date.
S
Sarah B
As a parent in Patna, I'm relieved. The humidity is the real killer. It's not just the temperature, it's the 'loo' and the mugginess. Anganwadi centres especially need this protection as those buildings often lack proper cooling.
V
Vikram M
What about the older students? The article says Class 6 and above stay as per schedule. A 15-year-old is also vulnerable to heatstroke. The government should consider a broader advisory or at least mandate proper hydration breaks and cooler classrooms.
A
Anjali F
This is a welcome move. But implementation is key. In my area, many small private schools run in cramped buildings with no ventilation. Authorities must conduct surprise checks to ensure compliance. Children's health cannot be compromised.
K
Karthik V
Finally, some proactive governance! Using the Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita for public health shows it's being taken seriously. Other states with similar conditions should issue similar directives. Stay safe, everyone. Drink nimbu paani! 🍋

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