India's Heatwaves Force School Closures, Impacting Women and Families
India's Heatwaves Force School Closures, Impacting Women and Families
IN · Published Jun 23, 2026
India is experiencing increasingly intense heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 41°C (105.8°F) in some areas.
These extreme conditions have led to widespread school closures across Delhi and nearly half of India's states, particularly from mid-May to the end of June.

Impact & Risks

The heatwave-induced school closures are severely affecting families, particularly working mothers. Women are being forced to leave their jobs or take on less demanding roles, leading to reduced household incomes and increased financial strain. Children are losing valuable in-person education, which could have long-term impacts on their academic and professional futures. Informal workers, such as domestic helpers and street vendors, are among the hardest hit, as they struggle to balance work and childcare. The closures also exacerbate existing gender inequalities, as women disproportionately shoulder the burden of childcare during these disruptions.

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