Bhubaneswar, March 21: With a heatwave expected to intensify due to rising temperatures across Odisha, the state government is preparing to implement morning classes in schools as a preventive measure to protect students' health during the summer months.

School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond informed on Saturday that the decision aims to reduce students' exposure to the scorching afternoon heat.

The exact date for the shift to morning sessions will be confirmed soon after a high-level meeting, involving the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, finalizes the details.

This initiative is a continuation of similar steps taken last year, when morning classes were introduced statewide starting April 2, following an early and severe heatwave.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a brief respite, predicting a temporary decrease in maximum temperatures by 2–3°C over the next few days. However, temperatures are expected to rise again gradually in the coming weeks, with variations across different districts.

In addition to the rescheduled morning classes, the government has issued heatwave management guidelines for educational institutions. These include ensuring the availability of drinking water and ORS, limiting outdoor activities during peak heat, and offering classes in cooler hours where possible.