School Holidays Extended in J&K Till July 26 as IMD Forecasts Heavy Rain

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has extended school holidays across the Kashmir Division and the Winter Zones of Jammu Division till July 26, 2026, following the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast of widespread rainfall across the region.

School Holidays Extended in J&K Till July 26

The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school staff as the southwest monsoon intensifies over northern India.

The schools, which were initially scheduled to reopen on July 20 after the summer vacation, will now remain closed for another week. Educational institutions are expected to resume regular classes from Monday, July 27, 2026, subject to weather conditions.

J&K Government Extends School Holidays

The announcement was made by Education Minister Sakina Ittoo, who stated that the extension was necessary to safeguard students and educational staff from adverse weather conditions.

Sharing the update on social media platform X, the minister said that the government has decided to extend the summer vacation for all government and recognized private schools in the Kashmir Division and Winter Zones of Jammu Division until July 26, 2026. She added that schools are expected to reopen on July 27, provided weather conditions remain favourable.

The extension comes as the region transitions from an intense heatwave to heavy monsoon rainfall, prompting authorities to take preventive measures.

IMD Forecast for Jammu & Kashmir

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), fairly widespread to widespread rainfall is expected over Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit, Baltistan, and Muzaffarabad between July 22 and July 24, 2026.

The weather department has warned of:

  • Moderate to heavy rainfall
  • Thunderstorms with lightning
  • Gusty winds at isolated places
  • Possibility of waterlogging in low-lying areas
  • Localized landslides in vulnerable hilly regions

Residents have been advised to remain cautious and follow official weather advisories.

Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand Also on Alert

Neighbouring states Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are also under close watch as the IMD has forecast widespread rainfall across both states during the same period.

Continuous rain may lead to:

  • Flash floods
  • Landslides in hilly areas
  • Traffic disruptions
  • Road closures
  • Rising river levels

Local administrations have been instructed to remain prepared and monitor the situation closely.

Safety Advisory for Students and Parents

Authorities have advised students and parents to:

  • Follow official announcements regarding school reopening.
  • Avoid travelling through waterlogged or landslide-prone areas.
  • Stay updated with IMD weather bulletins.
  • Contact school authorities for any schedule-related queries.

Parents are encouraged to prioritize safety and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.

Conclusion

The extension of school holidays in Jammu and Kashmir until July 26, 2026, reflects the government's proactive approach to student safety amid the IMD's heavy rainfall forecast. With widespread rain expected across Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, authorities are closely monitoring the weather situation. Schools are currently scheduled to reopen on July 27, subject to further review based on prevailing weather conditions.

Or
Notifications
Settings
Clear Notifications
Notifications
Use the toggle to switch on notifications
  • Block for 8 hours
  • Block for 12 hours
  • Block for 24 hours
  • Don't block
Gender
Select your Gender
  • Male
  • Female
  • Others
Age
Select your Age Range
  • Under 18
  • 18 to 25
  • 26 to 35
  • 36 to 45
  • 45 to 55
  • 55+