Chandigarh, July 1 (IANS) Punjab has extended summer vacations in its primary schools till July 9 in view of the searing heat conditions in the region. However, middle, high and secondary schools will reopen Monday as scheduled.

The direction came from Education Minister Sikander Singh Maluka, a government spokesperson said here Sunday.

Most places across the state are experiencing heat wave conditions with maximum temperatures hovering around 40-45 degrees Celsius since the past few days.

The monsoon, expected to arrive in Punjab by June 29, has been delayed by nearly a week, according to the Met department.