The Ministry of Education has ordered an alteration to school timetables for schools in Shire Valley districts to start and knockoff early in the wake of the heatwave being experienced in the area.

The announcement by Secretary for Education, Chikondano Mussa, comes after the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services warned of rising temperatures of above 42 degrees celsius in and surrounding areas.

The heat wave is expected to be intense between midday to 3 pm and is expected to last for five days ending Sunday.

Mussa says the waiver means teachers and learners should conduct classes between 7 am and 12 pm to ensure everyone is protected from the heatwave.

The statement also encourages teachers and learners to hydrate at all times and that teachers and learners be allowed to put on loose clothes and that classes should be conducted under shade.