Cold Wave, Dense Fog Force School Closures Across India

A prolonged spell of dense fog and biting cold has brought normal academic activities to a halt across several parts of northern and eastern India, forcing state governments to order school closures, delayed timings and emergency safety measures.

With visibility plunging below 50 metres in many districts and minimum temperatures dropping to record low levels, authorities have stepped in to prevent children from being exposed to harsh winter conditions that pose serious health and safety risks.

The situation has affected lakhs of students in Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana, where district administrations continue to issue daily advisories based on weather updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Cold Wave Tightens Grip Over North India

According to IMD data, a combination of western disturbances and stagnant wind patterns has led to:

• Persistent dense fog during morning hours

• Severe cold wave conditions in several regions

• Sharp fall in minimum temperatures

• Reduced air quality levels

• Major disruptions in road and rail movement

In many cities, visibility during early mornings has remained close to zero, making commuting unsafe, particularly for young schoolchildren who travel in buses, vans and two-wheelers.

States Where Schools Have Been Shut or Timings Changed

Delhi-NCR

The Delhi government ordered the temporary closure of schools for Classes Nursery to 8, citing extreme cold conditions. Many private schools have shifted senior students to online learning mode, while morning assemblies and outdoor activities have been suspended across institutions.

Officials stated that the decision was taken after repeated fog alerts and reports of children falling ill due to exposure to freezing temperatures.

Uttar Pradesh

District magistrates in major cities including Lucknow, Noida, Ghaziabad, Kanpur and Prayagraj have issued orders to:

• Close schools for primary classes

• Revise school timings for Classes 9 to 12

• Allow flexibility in attendance

Several districts have postponed school start times to 10 am or later, reducing the risk of students travelling in dense fog.

Bihar

Facing one of the harshest winters in recent years, the Bihar government ordered the closure of:

• Primary and middle schools

• Anganwadi centres

• Coaching institutes operating in early morning hours

Districts such as Patna, Gaya and Muzaffarpur recorded temperatures dipping below 6°C, prompting emergency orders to safeguard children and elderly citizens.

Rajasthan

In Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur and Sikar, education authorities announced the closure of schools for lower classes after minimum temperatures touched 4–5°C in several areas. Schools that remained open were instructed to start classes later in the day and avoid outdoor activities.

Punjab and Haryana

Schools in parts of Ludhiana, Amritsar, Ambala and Hisar have either delayed morning classes or suspended assemblies, as cold winds and fog reduced visibility on highways and rural roads.

Revised School Timings: A State-wise Snapshot

These measures are aimed at preventing children from stepping out during peak fog hours between 6 am and 9 am, when visibility is at its lowest.

Health Risks Prompt Swift Action

Paediatricians and public health experts have repeatedly warned that extreme cold can cause:

• Respiratory tract infections

• Bronchitis and asthma complications

• Hypothermia among younger children

• Increased absenteeism and hospital visits

Hospitals across several cities have already reported a rise in cold-related illnesses, especially among school-going children.

Government Advisory for Schools and Parents

State education departments have directed schools to follow strict winter safety protocols, including:

• Ensuring students wear adequate winter clothing

• Avoiding outdoor sports and assemblies

• Providing warm drinking water in schools

• Allowing online or hybrid classes during closures

• Granting relaxation in attendance norms

Parents have been advised not to send children to school during severe weather unless it is absolutely necessary.

IMD Weather Outlook: Relief Still Uncertain

The IMD has forecast that dense fog conditions are likely to continue for the next few days across the Indo-Gangetic plains. While a marginal rise in daytime temperatures is expected, cold mornings and low visibility are set to persist, keeping district authorities on alert.

Officials confirmed that decisions on reopening schools will be reviewed daily, depending on:

• Temperature trends

• Fog intensity

• Health advisories from medical authorities

Conclusion

As winter tightens its grip across northern India, the temporary closure of schools reflects a growing emphasis on child safety over rigid academic schedules. With governments opting for precautionary measures and institutions embracing digital alternatives, the focus remains on ensuring that education continues without putting young lives at risk.

Students and parents are advised to keep track of official notifications from schools and district administrations for the latest updates.