A severe cold wave combined with dense to very dense fog continues to disrupt North India, prompting the Punjab government to extend school holidays till January 7, 2026, and the Chandigarh administration to adjust school schedules till January 10. Delhi’s winter break runs as per calendar, while Uttar Pradesh schools await district-wise orders amid caution over low visibility.
Key Highlights
- Punjab: All schools closed until January 7 due to fog & cold wave.
- Chandigarh: Extended holidays/adjusted timings up to January 10 for many classes.
- Delhi: Scheduled winter break continues till January 15; no emergency extension yet.
- Uttar Pradesh: No statewide extension; district administrators expected to decide locally.
Punjab: Holiday Extension Due to Safety Concerns
The Punjab government has officially extended winter holidays across all government, aided, and private schools until January 7, 2026. The extension aims to protect students from harsh cold and very poor early-morning visibility caused by dense fog. Education officials said classes are now expected to resume on January 8, weather permitting.
Local districts such as Amritsar and Ludhiana reported visibility dropping near zero in early mornings, complicating school transport and commutes.
Chandigarh: Adjusted School Calendar
In Chandigarh, the UT administration has extended holidays or revised school timings through January 10 for students up to Class VIII. Board classes (Class 10 & 12) may continue with delayed starts and early closures to minimise exposure to cold conditions and dense fog.
Delhi: Winter Break Continues
In Delhi, schools remain on their pre-scheduled winter vacation until January 15, per the Directorate of Education calendar. No emergency statewide extension has been announced. Some private schools have moved to delayed start times or hybrid class formats to cope with weather impacts.
Uttar Pradesh: District-Wise Decisions Expected
Across Uttar Pradesh, while schools were closed due to cold conditions on January 5, no statewide extension has yet been issued. Administrations in districts such as Agra, Kanpur, and Lucknow are expected to communicate reopening or continued closure decisions locally in the coming days.
What IMD Says
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns that dense to very dense fog will persist over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and parts of Uttar Pradesh through early January. Cold wave conditions are likely in isolated pockets across the region through January 7–9, which continues to impact visibility and temperatures.
IMD bulletins note that low visibility is especially severe during night and early mornings, posing risks for road and school transport.
Impact & Local Takeaway
For families in North India, the ongoing cold wave and fog mean continued vigilance:
- Morning commutes may be hazardous — visibility can fall below 50 m in many districts.
- Parents should follow official school notifications via SMS/WhatsApp or district admin orders.
- Private schools may offer online or hybrid classes to maintain continuity during prolonged closures.
In Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) too, similar winter conditions have historically prompted extended winter vacations, especially in the Valley and hilly districts, although detailed J&K liaisons remain as per state education department orders. (Note: J&K’s winter break typically extends longer due to mountainous weather patterns.)
FAQ
Not statewide. Parents should check district notifications or school circulars before sending children.
No additional extension has been announced; schools are set to reopen after January 15 as per the academic calendar.
Schools in Punjab are expected to reopen from January 8, subject to weather improvement
Yes — many private schools are offering online/hybrid lessons or delayed schedules to ensure learning continues.
Disclaimer: Weather conditions can change rapidly; school holiday schedules may be updated by local authorities. Always rely on official government/school communications.
