Summer holidays extended, Odisha schools to reopen on June 21

School and Mass Education Secretary Pradipta Mohapatra said that the decision was taken due to prevailing heat wave in the state.

Image of school children used for representational purpose only

BHUBANESWAR:  With the mercury soaring high despite monsoon onset, the Odisha Government on Saturday extended summer vacation for schools by three days.

The schools will now reopen on June 21 instead of June 18, informed School and Mass Education Secretary Pradipta Mohapatra here.

The secretary said that the decision was taken due to prevailing heat wave in the state.

Though south-west monsoon touched Odisha on June 8, it has weakened and unlikely to strengthen before June 20. On Friday, hot and humid condition prevailed in many parts across State as the temperature soared above 40 degrees Celsius at eight places, including the Capital City.

Titlagarh recorded the highest of 42 degree Celsius followed by Bhawanipatna at 40.7 degrees, Angul 40.7, Baripada 40.6, Chandbali 40.2 and Balangir 40.3 degree Celsius. The Twin City of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack recorded 40.2 and 40.1 degree Celsius respectively.

Officials in the Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, informed that the temperature will continue to hover around 40 degree Celsius at some places in the State for another 24 hours.

On Saturday too, the met department issued heatwave alert for certain districts including Cuttack, Khurda, Bolangir and Angul for the next 48 hours.