Heat forces Mizoram district to change school timings

AIZAWL: The administration of south Mizoram's Lawngtlai district changed the school timing from Tuesday - 6 am to 9 am - so that the students do not have to attend classes in the scorching midday sun.
Mizoram has been witnessing unusual high temperatures with the mercury touching 33 degrees Celsius on Sunday in the hill state.
Though the maximum temperature dipped to 32 degrees Celsius on Monday, the people of the state were sweating almost everywhere.
According to the state government's data, the average temperature in summer is 20 to 30 degrees Celsius and 11 to 21 degrees Celsius during winter.
The warmest day in the state since temperature began to be recorded was on April 13, 2017, when the mercury soared to 36.5 degrees Celsius, which was regarded unprecedented by the state's science and technology department officials.
While the State Meteorological Centre regarded 31 degrees Celsius as "high" by Mizoram standards, Sunday's 33 degrees Celsius was also regarded as extremely warm in this hilly state.
Majority of the people chose to stay indoors as warning over ultra-violet rays and chances of being dehydrated did the rounds on social media.
A number of netizens appealed to the state school education department authorities to close schools.
However, the school education department officials said while instructions would be issued to the school authorities, there is no need to shut classes.
The State Meteorological Centre officials said for Mizoram, April used to be the hottest month every year and the temperature is continuing to increase every year.