The Odisha government on Tuesday (June 19) announced an extension of summer holidays in schools till June 25.
The decision was taken keeping in mind the rising temperature and intense heatwaves sweeping across the state since the past few days.
This is the second time the state government extended the school holidays.
Earlier, chief minister Naveen Patnaik had extended the holidays till June 21.
The schools were scheduled to open on June 18.
Meanwhile, Odisha is reeling under intense heatwave with the temperature soaring over 40 degrees Celsius in most places of the state on Monday (June 18).
State capital Bhubaneswar, as well as Baripada, recorded maximum temperature of 42.2 degrees Celsius, while industrial town Talcher recorded 42 degree Celsius.
Temperature at Angul remained at 41.9, Chandabali at 41.7, Titlagarh at 41.5, Balasore at 41.2 and Balangir at 40.8 degrees Celsius.
Director, Regional Meteorological Centre Director H.R. Biswas said the situation will remain same in the state for the next 48 hours.
“We have issued a heatwave alert in the state for the next 48 hours. Bhubaneswar and several other places in Odisha are likely to experience severe heatwave,” said Biswas.
“There is no moisture in the hot wind that is blowing from the northwest. There is no indication of depression or low pressure within the next few days. There is no sign of monsoon in the next 48 hours,” he said.