Recent heavy rains and continued flooding in Punjab have prompted the government to extend the closure of all educational institutions until September 7, 2025. This decision, announced on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, follows the directive of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and applies to all government, aided, recognized, and private schools, colleges, universities, and polytechnics throughout the state.

The closure was initially put in place until September 3rd but has been prolonged due to the relentless downpour and subsequent waterlogging in many districts. The Punjab government had previously declared holidays for all schools from August 27 to 30. Minister Bains has also appealed to everyone to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the local administration.

Punjab is grappling with severe flooding, described as the worst the state has experienced since 1988. All 23 of the state's districts have been affected. The swollen Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, along with seasonal rivulets, have inundated vast areas of the state following heavy rainfall in their catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. Over 1,400 villages have been impacted by the floods. Tragically, the floods have claimed at least 30 lives, and have affected 3.5 lakh people. Pathankot has reported the highest death toll, with six fatalities. Nearly 20,000 people have been evacuated from the flood-stricken regions.

Neighboring Himachal Pradesh has also extended the closure of all schools and colleges until September 7, prioritizing the safety of students, parents, and teachers. A landslide in Jogindernagar, approximately 80 km from Mandi town, led to the evacuation of at least 15 houses in the Ner Gharwarsra Panchayat.

In addition to schools and colleges, the Armed Forces Preparatory Institutes in Mohali, all skill development centers, and C-PYTE camps across the state will also remain closed until September 7. This decision was made as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of trainees, staff, and stakeholders, and to allow authorities to focus on relief and rescue operations in the affected areas.

While the immediate forecast for Jalandhar Division indicates a chance of rain during the day on Wednesday, September 3, and thunderstorms on Friday, September 5 and Sunday, September 7, the average weather in Punjab during September typically includes moderate rainfall spread over approximately 14 days. Temperatures in Punjab during September generally range from 26°C to above 36°C.