What Last Year Taught Us About Education and Extreme Weather

The summer of 2024 brought a silent crisis to schools across India. As temperatures soared past 45°C in many cities, classrooms emptied. School gates closed because it had become too hot to learn. 
 
Students, especially in metro cities, felt the worst of it. Blistering heatwaves disrupted routines, cancelled classes, and triggered serious health concerns due to extreme weather. Across the country, parents were forced to choose between their child’s health and their education was a wakeup call. As we look ahead to an even hotter 2025, one thing is clear that we can’t afford to ignore it anymore. 

This isn’t just about extreme weather. It’s about our collective preparedness. It’s about rethinking how we deliver education in a world increasingly shaped by climate change and the rise in temperatures. The most important thing here is, it’s about hybrid learning. 

The Heat is Rising 

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, 2024 saw one of the most severe heatwaves in recent history. Temperatures in parts of Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh climbed to over 47°C.  
 
This fact is not just uncomfortable it’s also dangerous. Children are more vulnerable to heatstroke, dehydration, and respiratory issues. Prolonged exposure to high temperature also affects concentration, learning outcomes, and mental well-being. Some schools had no choice but to shut down entirely.  

Yet, education cannot pause every time the weather turns hostile. 

What’s at Stake for Students? 

In many states, government advisories recommended reducing school hours or cancelling afternoon sessions altogether. But even with these measures, the risk remained. Young students from heat exhaustion and extreme weather. Teachers struggled to maintain attendance. Exams were postponed followed by broken learning.  
 
We saw how fragile our systems can be in the face of climate driven challenges. One season of disruption can derail months of academic progress, especially for students preparing for board exams or competitive tests. This crisis made one thing very clear that our schools need a backup plan. The kind of backup that ensures uninterrupted learning without compromising on health or quality. 
 

A Safer Alternative — Hybrid Learning 

Hybrid learning is a way of learning and teaching where teachers instruct a person while utilizing technology and the internet. Students have the option to attend such classes in person or even online, depending upon the situation. It is a sustainable, future forward model of education.  
 
When temperatures rise and it’s unsafe to keep students indoors without proper cooling, classes can continue online. Teachers can engage with students indoors without proper cooling, classes can continue online. Teachers can engage with students through smart platforms, interactive sessions, and pre-recorded lessons. Students can learn from the safety of their homes, while still being part of the structured academic schedule. 

The need for hybrid learning becomes critical during extreme weather like heatwaves, floods, or pollution spiks. It helps schools stay agile, prepared, and resilient. 

Why Schools Must Act Now 

Many schools are still relying on traditional setups. But last year showed us that physical infrastructure alone isn’t enough. The solution isn’t just fans, air conditioners, and water coolers; the need of the hour is a hybrid strategy that can scale during emergencies. 

Here’s why it matters –  

1. Safety without disruption – Students can continue learning without being exposed to extreme weather conditions. 

2. Flexibility for teachers – Educators can adapt lesson plans to suit both online and in-person formats. 

3. Preparedness for future climate events – With predictions showing extreme weather patterns will become more frequent, a hybrid  

4. Inclusivity and reach – Students who fall sick or can’t attend school due to weather or distance still stay connected to the learning process. 

Last Year Was a Lesson, This Year Must be Action 

Extreme heat, once was an occasional inconvenience, has become a recurring reality of climate change. As we prepare for the summer of 2025, let’s not repeat the mistakes of last year. The solution is here and the moment to act is now. So, let’s make education climate resilient.