Kashmir Schools to Shut for 10-Day Summer Break from July 1 Amid Scorching Heat

Srinagar | 20 June 2025

In response to the relentless heatwave sweeping across the Valley, Jammu & Kashmir Education Minister Sakina Itoo has announced a 10-day summer break for all government and private schools in the Kashmir division, starting July 1 to July 10, 2025.

The announcement, made during a press briefing at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar, comes as daytime temperatures continue to hover well above 32°C, with meteorologists reporting a 26% rainfall deficit in June.

Official Statement from the Education Minister

“In view of the ongoing heatwave and health concerns of our children, we have decided to declare a 10-day summer vacation across all educational institutions in the Kashmir division,”
— Sakina Itoo, Education Minister, J&K

The minister added that the government would review the weather conditions on July 10, and extend the break if needed.

School Timing Revisions Starting This Saturday

To ensure the safety of students and school staff prior to the break, the government has also revised school timings effective this Saturday (June 22, 2025):

• Within Srinagar Municipal Limits:
  🕗 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

• Outside Srinagar Municipal Limits:
  🕣 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM

These revised timings are meant to reduce midday exposure, when temperatures are at their peak and UV levels are highest.

Why the Break Was Needed: A Climate Context

June 2025 has proven to be one of the hottest in recent memory, with key towns and cities reporting alarming temperatures:

• Srinagar: 32.5°C

• Qazigund: 31.4°C

• Kupwara: 30.5°C

• Gulmarg: 22.8°C — unusually high for this alpine zone

Additionally, Samba and Kathua districts are facing rainfall deficits of over 60%, adding to heat stress and reducing cooling by natural precipitation.

According to health officials, the risks of heat exhaustion, dehydration, sunburn, and viral fevers among school children are rising. Several schools have already reported cases of students fainting during assemblies and classroom discomfort due to lack of ventilation and fans in many rural schools.

What Parents Need to Know

Holiday Duration:

July 1 to July 10 (tentative)

Review Date:

July 10, based on IMD weather forecast

New School Timings Until Vacation:

Effective Saturday, June 22

• Carry water bottles with ORS or lemon water

• Wear light cotton clothes and sun hats

• Avoid outdoor games between 12 PM to 4 PM

• Eat hydrating fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges

Student & Parent Voices

“This break is much needed. My daughter came home dizzy twice last week. The classrooms feel like ovens,”
— Shabnum, a parent from Baramulla

“We’ll use the break to revise syllabus and take rest. Thank you to the Education Department for thinking of us,”
— Suhail, a Class 9 student from Pulwama

What Schools Should Do

Education authorities have instructed school administrations to:

• Issue notices immediately via WhatsApp, websites, and school boards

• Cancel summer camps or exam schedules during the holiday period

• Ensure basic water and cooling facilities are in place for classes held till June 30

• Encourage remote revision and online assignments if needed

Message from the Education Minister

Sakina Itoo took to X (formerly Twitter) to reinforce the government’s stance:

“Our children’s health is our top priority. This is a precautionary step to beat the heat while maintaining academic continuity. We urge all stakeholders to cooperate.”

Weather Outlook Beyond July 10

The Meteorological Department has forecast the following trends:

• Until June 30:
  Hot and dry conditions, no major rain expected

• July 1–7:
  Possible isolated thunderstorms in higher altitudes

• July 8–12:
  Slight dip in temperature, monsoon patterns may resume

Should the heatwave persist or intensify, officials say the break may extend up to July 15, especially for primary-level classes.

Want to Inform Your School Community?

I can create:

• 🖼️ A poster-style visual advisory for WhatsApp & Facebook

• 📲 Short text notices for parents’ groups

• 📃 Formal circulars for school admins & heads

• 🧵 X/Twitter templates for Edu Department updates

Just let me know what format you’d like — and I’ll tailor it!

Summary: 10-Day Summer Break Snapshot

Let’s keep students safe, learning, and cared for—even during summer.
A well-timed break is not a pause in education—it’s an investment in health and long-term productivity.