Tabasco Modifies School Hours Amidst Severe Heatwave

Schools in Tabasco, Mexico, are adjusting their schedules to combat the intense heatwave gripping the state. The Secretariat of Education of Tabasco (SETAB) announced modified class hours for basic and higher secondary education levels in response to forecasts of at least five heatwaves during the current season.

The new schedules, effective from Tuesday, May 26, and running until the end of the school year on July 15, 2026, are designed to minimize students' prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures. SETAB aims to prevent heat-related ailments such as dehydration, exhaustion, and heatstroke, particularly among children and adolescents.

Morning preschool classes will now run from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, while afternoon sessions will start at 3:00 PM. Morning primary school hours are set from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, with afternoon classes beginning at 3:00 PM. For secondary schools, morning sessions will maintain regular start times but end at 12:00 PM, and afternoon sessions will commence at 3:00 PM.

Physical education and art classes will be conducted indoors to avoid direct sun exposure. School meals will also be served in shaded areas. The state is urging students, teachers, and parents to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and avoid strenuous activities outdoors. Temperatures in Tabasco have recently hit 40°C, with heat index values soaring to 50°C, underscoring the urgency of these protective measures.