Heatwave Impact and Coping Strategies in Public Schools of Madhesh Province

Heatwaves have emerged as an increasingly prominent hazard. Climate projections indicate a future with more frequent warm days and prolonged hot spells, disrupting learning for millions of children worldwide. This trend is evident in Nepal, particularly in Madhesh Province, which is highly susceptible to heatwaves. However, limited data on this hazard’s effects in Nepal make planned interventions challenging. Consequently, responses in Madhesh Province are largely based on past experiences. School closures and schedule adjustments serve as primary system-wide adaptation measures. Public schools, in particular, struggle to ensure students’ physical, mental, and academic well-being amid this climate extreme due to limited resources. This study addresses this gap by examining the impact of heatwaves on children’s education in Madhesh Province.

This study aims to:

• investigate how extreme heat disrupts school operations and education delivery
• identify specific vulnerability indicators of public schools to heatwaves
• assess existing adaptive practices in public schools for managing heatwave risks