Bhubaneswar: Odisha experienced extreme heat on Wednesday, with Boudh in the western region recording a maximum temperature of 42.7 degrees Celsius. This has led to the decision to extend the summer vacation for schools and anganwadi centres in five districts.

Schools in Bolangir, Sonepur, Ganjam, Angul, and Sundargarh will now remain closed until June 20, instead of the previously scheduled June 18. As June 21 falls on a Sunday, these schools are set to reopen on June 22, according to officials.

In Nuapada district, classes will be conducted from 6:30 am to 11:30 am between June 18 and June 20, as per an order issued by the district education officer.

Schools have been closed since April 27 for summer vacation this year due to rising temperatures across various districts.

On Wednesday, Sambalpur recorded a high of 41.5 degrees Celsius, while neighbouring Hirakud reached 41.4 degrees Celsius, Jharsuguda 40.8 degrees Celsius, Sonepur 40.1 degrees Celsius, and Titlagarh 40 degrees Celsius.

The India Meteorological Department’s Bhubaneswar Centre has indicated that heatwave conditions are expected to persist until June 21.