NOIDA: As the piercing cold wave continues to grip the National Capital Region (NCR), the district administration of Gautam Buddha Nagar has issued a fresh directive extending school holidays. Schools in Noida and Greater Noida will now remain closed for students up to Class 8 until January 15, 2026.
The decision comes as a relief to thousands of parents concerned about their children’s health amidst plummeting temperatures and hazardous visibility levels caused by dense fog.
Official Order: Who is Affected?
According to the official order issued by Rahul Panwar, the District Basic Education Officer (BSA) of Gautam Buddha Nagar, the closure applies to all schools in the district. This includes:
Classes: Nursery to Class 8.
Boards: All schools affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, IB, UP Board, and other recognized bodies.
Duration: The suspension of physical classes is effective immediately and will continue till Wednesday, January 15.
The order was released in compliance with directions from the District Magistrate, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students during this severe weather spell. Schools have been strictly instructed to adhere to the directive.
What About Senior Classes?
While the administration has mandated a holiday for junior students (up to Class 8), specific instructions for students of Classes 9 to 12 have not been explicitly detailed in this latest extension order.
Typically, during such weather alerts, senior classes continue operations with revised timings (often 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM) to avoid the early morning chill.
Advisory: Parents of students in Classes 9-12 are advised to check directly with their respective schools regarding class schedules or the possibility of online classes.
Weather Report: Why the Extension?
The extension is a direct response to the "Cold Day" conditions prevailing across Western Uttar Pradesh. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts predicting that the cold wave will persist for the next few days.
Temperature: Minimum temperatures in Noida have hovered around 4°C to 6°C, with icy winds making the "real feel" temperature significantly lower.
Visibility: Dense fog has enveloped the region during early morning hours, dropping visibility to below 50 meters in some areas, making commute dangerous for school buses.
Forecast: The IMD predicts that dense fog conditions will likely continue on January 14 and 15, with a gradual respite expected only later in the week.
Pollution Woes Add to the Chill
Compounding the weather woes is the deteriorating air quality. Noida recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) in the "Poor" to "Very Poor" category recently. The combination of low temperatures, high moisture from fog, and pollution creates a "smog" blanket that poses respiratory risks, particularly for younger children.
Broader Impact in NCR
Noida is not alone in grappling with the winter fury. Neighboring regions have also taken similar precautionary measures:
Gurugram: Authorities have frequently adjusted school timings and holidays in response to the changing weather.
Punjab: The state government has announced holidays for all schools until January 13 due to similar foggy conditions.
What Should Parents Do?
Stay Updated: Keep an eye on official school communication channels (WhatsApp groups, emails).
Online Learning: Check if your child's school is shifting to online mode to ensure learning continuity.
Health Precautions: Ensure children are dressed in layers and limit outdoor activities during early morning and late evening hours.
For the latest updates on school reopenings and weather alerts, stay tuned.
Explore more updates on school holidays:
Punjab Extends School Holidays Till Jan 13 Jharkhand Schools Shut Until Jan 8, why? UP Schools were closed Till Jan 1 2026 due to severe cold wave, why?
