Vienna classrooms exceed 30C amid heatwave; debate over summer holidays intensifies

Students in Vienna are struggling with sweltering classroom conditions, with temperatures reportedly reaching 35 degrees Celsius even in the morning. The intense heatwave, following record-breaking temperatures over the weekend, has made learning environments almost unbearable for pupils.

Parents have voiced concerns about the extreme heat in classrooms, with similar reports coming from teachers and the teachers' union. The situation has intensified calls for action and led to debates about adjusting the summer holiday schedule to accommodate such extreme weather.

Unlike some other countries or regions that may have specific policies for heat-related school closures or early dismissals, Austria currently does not have a formal "heat-free" system in place for its schools. This means that even with soaring temperatures, classes are expected to continue as normal until the summer break.

The schools in Vienna are set to close for summer holidays later this week. However, the current conditions are making the final days of the term particularly challenging for both students and educators.