Jharkhand Revises School Timings Amid Scorching Heatwave; Classes to Start at 7 AM from April 26

Yellow Alert Issued for 12 Districts as Daltonganj Sizzles at 43°C

RANCHI, INDIA — As extreme heat continues to grip the state, the Jharkhand government has revised school timings to protect students from rising temperatures, which have soared above 40°C in multiple districts. The new schedule, issued by the School Education and Literacy Department, will take effect from April 26 and remain in place until further notice.

According to the official circular, classes for students from kindergarten to Class 8 in all government, aided, unaided (including minority), and private schools will now run from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM. For Classes 9 to 12, the school day will extend until 12:00 noon.

“The revised timings are a preventive measure in view of the increasing impact of heat in the state,” said a department official.

Severe Heatwave Conditions Continue Across State

Jharkhand is currently experiencing severe heatwave conditions, with Daltonganj recording the highest temperature at 43°C, which is 2.2°C above normal, on Wednesday. Jamshedpur and Chaibasa followed closely behind with 42.6°C and 42.4°C, respectively. The state capital Ranchi recorded a comparatively lower but still harsh 38.8°C.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘yellow alert’ for hot and humid conditions in 12 districts, including:

• Simdega

• Saraikela-Kharswan

• East and West Singhbhum

• Bokaro

• Dhanbad

• Jamtara

• Deoghar

• Dumka

• Pakur

• Godda

• Sahibganj

This alert is valid through April 26, and the Ranchi Meteorological Centre warns that the high temperatures are expected to persist for at least three more days.

Rainfall and Temperature Relief Expected Soon

Abhishek Anand, Deputy Director of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, noted that while no significant change in temperature is expected immediately, relief may be on the horizon. Beginning April 27, the state could see a 3–5°C drop in temperatures, accompanied by rainfall and isolated hailstorms, offering temporary respite from the intense heat.