The Punjab School Education Department has announced that summer vacations for schools across the province will begin on June 1, 2025, in light of rising temperatures.
According to an official notification, all schools in Punjab will remain closed from the start of June. Secretary of School Education, Khalid Nazir Wattoo, stated that the schedule may be revised if temperatures surge earlier than expected. “If there’s an unusual spike in heat, vacations may commence a week earlier,” he told the media, emphasizing that student and staff health remains a top priority.
Wattoo also highlighted the growing impact of climate change on Pakistan, pointing to disrupted weather patterns and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
The announcement comes a day after the Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a heatwave alert, warning of a high-pressure weather system expected to raise daytime temperatures significantly from April 26 to April 30.
Southern parts of the country — including Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan — are likely to experience temperatures 5 to 7°C above normal from April 26 to May 1. Meanwhile, upper and central Punjab, Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan may see a rise of 4 to 6°C above normal between April 27 and April 30.
The public, particularly children, women, and the elderly, are advised to avoid direct sunlight and stay hydrated. Farmers are also urged to adjust their wheat harvesting schedules and ensure the safety of their livestock. Authorities have warned that increased temperatures in the north could accelerate snowmelt, especially between April 27 and May 1.
Water conservation has also been advised across all sectors. Additionally, strong winds, dust storms, and lightning on April 30 and May 1 could pose risks to infrastructure, including electric poles, trees, vehicles, and solar panels.
