2025 May 28 Punjab Announces Early Summer Vacations Amid Severe Heatwave

Punjab Announces Early Summer Vacations Amid Severe Heatwave

Lahore, May 21, 2025 — In light of the intensifying heatwave sweeping across the region, Punjab’s Minister for Education, Rana Sikandar Hayat, has announced early summer vacations for all schools in the province starting May 28. The move comes as part of a broader effort to ensure student safety amidst dangerously high temperatures.

Revised School Timings in Effect

Ahead of the vacation period, the provincial education ministry has also revised school timings to protect students from the heat. Starting May 21, schools will operate from 7:30 am to 11:30 am until the break begins.

“The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority,” said Hayat. “While we are conscious of the academic challenges, we cannot compromise on health.”

Original Vacation Dates Moved Up

The summer vacation was initially set to begin on June 1, but rising temperatures prompted the government to advance the date by a few days. Punjab, like much of Pakistan, is currently experiencing a severe heatwave, with daytime temperatures climbing well above seasonal norms.

Precautionary Measures & Safety Guidelines

In coordination with the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), schools had earlier been advised to take precautionary steps to mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather. These include:

• Suspending all outdoor sports and activities

• Providing uninterrupted access to clean, cold drinking water

• Ensuring the functionality of ventilation, fans, and cooling systems

• Encouraging students to wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing

Schools were also authorized to adjust operating hours or declare early holidays based on local conditions.

Weather Forecast: Another Heatwave on the Horizon

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a new heatwave is expected from May 20 to May 24. High atmospheric pressure is likely to persist, pushing temperatures 4–7°C above normal across various regions:

• Sindh, Southern Punjab, and Balochistan: 4–6°C above average

• Central/Upper Punjab, Islamabad, KP, AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan: 5–7°C above average

The PMD has advised residents to limit outdoor exposure during peak hours and stay hydrated.

Community Response and Future Outlook

Parents, teachers, and students have widely welcomed the decision to begin vacations early. However, education officials continue to stress the importance of catching up on lost academic time through digital learning or extended sessions post-vacation.

As Pakistan grapples with the increasing impacts of climate change, experts are calling for long-term planning in school calendars, improved infrastructure, and enhanced public awareness around climate-related health risks.