Amid the prevailing heat wave, the temperature in Guwahati hit 40 degrees Celsius today. With humidity around 50%, the real feel is at 50 degrees Celsius.

Kamrup Metro District under which Guwahati falls, has been experiencing sweltering hot and humid conditions for over a week. The Regional Meteorological Centre, Guwahati had recorded 40 degrees Celsius on Friday as well.

In view of this heat wave, the authorities have changed the timings for all schools in the district with immediate effect. On Friday, the Inspector of Schools and District Elementary Education Officer (DEEO) cum District Mission Coordinator, SSA, Kamrup Metro, under the instruction of the Deputy Commissioner, issued an Order where schools were directed to reschedule the timings “due to continuous rise of Mercury level and prevailing scorching heat”.

As per the order, schools will begin at 7:30 and end latest by 1:30 pm. Further, schools have been instructed to conduct the morning assembly inside the classroom or shaded area and to ensure that electric fans are in running condition.

Student may be instructed not to wear blazer, waist coat and ties during the current heat wave, the Order stated. Students may be allowed to wear sandals instead of shoes, it added.

Further, the Officer informed that if any uneasiness observed among the students’, parents must be informed immediately and contact with the nearest hospital for medical assistance.

Schools have also been urged to create awareness among the parents for precautionary measure to be taken during this heat wave through messages or over phone.

As Cyclone Remal approaches, some relieve is expected by Monday (27th May 2024). The Cyclone is expected to cross the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh at around midnight on 26th May. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued Orange Alert for heavy rains in the Northeast including Assam.