Chennai is reeling under a heat wave. Thursday saw the temperature peaking to 42 degree Celsius, making it the hottest day of 2017.

And with the searing heat expected to last a few more weeks, it seems teachers in the state are worried about the health of school going children.

The Tamil Nadu Elementary School Teachers Federation (TESTF) has requested the state government to extend the summer holidays. The federation wants schools to reopen only after there is some respite from the heat.

“The heat is unbearable. Schools normally reopen on June 1. But small kids will be forced to attend school during this heat. We request the government to extend holidays and reopen schools only on June 15,” Das, TESTF President told the media.

"The Education Minister has already said that the schools should open after few days due to the heat. So, for teachers also, the school should open after 10 days. Then they can have five days training and start classes by June 15," said Rangarajan, Tamil Nadu Teachers' Federation. 

Many parts of north Tamil Nadu had recorded temperatures above normal, Tiruttani recorded 45.5 degree Celsius on Wednesday, while Vellore recorded 43.4 degree Celsius and Trichy 42 degree Celsius.