In response to the escalating heatwave sweeping across the region, the Punjab provincial government has announced an early start to summer vacations for schools and higher education institutions.
According to an official notification issued by the Punjab School Education Department on Tuesday, schools across the province will close for summer break beginning May 28, advancing the original date of June 1. Until the commencement of the holidays, school hours will be shortened, with classes running from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The schools are scheduled to reopen on August 15 following the summer recess. Similarly, the Punjab Higher Education Department confirmed that colleges and universities will also begin their summer vacations from May 28.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that the current heatwave is expected to persist throughout the week. Lahore recorded a high of 42°C on Tuesday. The department’s spokesperson explained that a high-pressure system in the upper atmosphere will maintain elevated temperatures, pushing daytime highs in South Punjab to 4 to 6 degrees Celsius above normal until May 24. Central and northern parts of Punjab may experience temperatures as much as 7 degrees above the seasonal average.
The extreme weather conditions are expected to bring dust storms and strong winds to some of the plain areas, prompting authorities to issue precautionary advisories. The public, especially vulnerable groups such as children, women, and the elderly, have been urged to avoid exposure to direct sunlight during peak hours, remain indoors, and maintain adequate hydration.
Farmers are advised to adjust their agricultural schedules according to the weather forecast and to ensure proper care of their livestock.
In response to the heatwave, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an official alert. Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed instructed all district commissioners and deputy commissioners to maintain heightened vigilance. He emphasized the importance of preparedness across multiple departments, including education, health, transport, local government, and emergency services like Rescue 1122, as the elevated temperatures will impact urban and rural areas until May 24.
PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia highlighted the need for local administrations to provide clean drinking water at public locations. He further stressed that hospitals and mobile health units must be fully equipped to manage cases of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.
