Schools in many parts of India are not automatically closed on August 20, 2026 , despite heavy rainfall forecasts. Decisions on school closures are made by state governments, district administrations, or individual school authorities based on local conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and parts of Uttar Pradesh on August 20. Rainfall is also expected in Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
State-Wise Weather and School Holiday Updates
The current forecast does not indicate a blanket school holiday on August 20. Students and parents must check district-specific announcements. Heavy rainfall can lead to safety risks, prompting local authorities to close schools.
| State/Region | August 20 Weather Update | School Holiday Status |
| Himachal Pradesh | Heavy rain forecast | Check district order |
| Uttarakhand | Heavy rain forecast | Check district order |
| Uttar Pradesh | Heavy to very heavy rain in parts | District-wise decision |
| Delhi-NCR | No IMD warning for August 20 | Schools generally open unless local order |
| Punjab | No IMD warning for August 20 | Check local announcement |
| Madhya Pradesh | Widespread rainfall likely in parts | Check district-wise updates |
| Bihar | Rainfall likely in parts | Check local administration |
| Jharkhand | Isolated to scattered rainfall | Check district-wise updates |
| Odisha | Rainfall likely in parts | Check district-wise updates |
| Chhattisgarh | Rainfall activity likely | Check local order |
| Maharashtra/Vidarbha | Rainfall likely in parts | Check district-wise updates |
Specific Regional Updates
Odisha
Odisha faces heavy rainfall and flood disruptions. A statewide school holiday for August 20 is not confirmed. Districts are making decisions based on local conditions. Sundargarh and Bhadrak have already ordered school closures due to flooding.
Himachal Pradesh
Heavy rainfall is forecast for August 20, following very heavy rain on August 19. Continued heavy rain is expected on August 21. Road connectivity in hilly districts may be affected. Local authorities will decide on closures if travel is deemed unsafe.
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand expects heavy rain on August 20 and following days. The IMD has identified districts like Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, and Dehradun as high-risk areas. Schools in these districts may close if conditions become unsafe.
Uttar Pradesh
East Uttar Pradesh faces heavy rainfall, while West Uttar Pradesh is forecast for very heavy rainfall on August 20. Local school closures are possible in areas with severe waterlogging or flooding. Schools in Prayagraj previously closed due to waterlogging.
Delhi-NCR
The IMD has no heavy rain warning for Delhi-NCR on August 20. No widespread school closures are expected. Individual schools may issue updates based on local weather changes.
Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh
These eastern states are expected to have continued rainfall. Bihar and Jharkhand will experience isolated to scattered rainfall on August 20. Chhattisgarh's rainfall activity is also forecast. Local administrations will monitor conditions for potential school closures.
Reasons for School Closures
Authorities may order school closures to address safety risks. These include flooding, waterlogging, landslides, flash-flood risks, unsafe roads, and bridge conditions. Disruption of public transport, lightning, and damage to school infrastructure are also factors.
Action Required: Students and parents must verify official announcements from their district administration or school. Do not assume a holiday based on general rain forecasts.
