Lucknow, December 29, 2025: This decision has been taken as a precautionary step to protect students from extreme weather conditions, which have caused a sharp rise in cold-related illnesses, reduced visibility, and disrupted daily travel. Since the past week, many districts in Uttar Pradesh — including Lucknow, Kanpur, Noida, Ghaziabad, Allahabad, Bareilly, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur — have reported: Minimum temperatures dropping close to 2°C–4°C Zero visibility during early morning hours Rise in seasonal flu, pneumonia, and cold-related infections among children Reports of fog-related road accidents affecting school transport The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for “severe cold day and dense fog conditions” in several districts of UP for the next 48 hours. The state government issued a circular directing all government, private, aided, and unaided schools to remain closed till January 1, 2026. Nursery LKG / UKG Primary classes Middle school High school Intermediate (Class 11 & 12) Schools have been instructed not to conduct offline classes, exams, or school events during this period. District administrators have been directed to coordinate with schools to ensure winter relief arrangements: ✔️ Bonfires at public spots near schools and bus stops ✔️ Distribution of blankets in vulnerable areas ✔️ Night shelters for people affected by extreme cold ✔️ Monitoring of student transport in fog-affected zones Parents are advised to ensure children stay indoors, avoid early morning outdoor exposure, and keep them properly layered in warm clothes. Due to dense fog and reduced visibility, many districts have temporarily restricted: School buses Vans Auto-rickshaws Private transport used by children Authorities issued strict instructions that no school shall call students for any activity involving morning travel. Schools have been allowed to conduct online classes depending on feasibility. “Attendance in online classes should not be compulsory. Students who cannot attend must not be penalized.” Assignments, notes, and worksheets may be shared digitally with students. Parents and guardians across UP welcomed the early winter vacation extension, stating that the cold wave is “too harsh for young children,” especially those who travel early in the morning. Social media is filled with videos of students appealing to district authorities to announce holidays due to severe cold. The district authorities will review the weather on January 1. The next update is expected on January 1 afternoon from the respective District Magistrates. Also Read:- Winter Vacation 2025: School Holiday Updates Across India
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced the closure of all schools from Nursery to Class 12 till January 1, 2026 following an intense cold wave and dense fog gripping the state. The order applies to all boards — UP Board, CBSE, ICSE, and private schools — as temperatures continue to dip across northern Uttar Pradesh.Why Schools Are Closed: Cold Wave Hits Record Low Temperatures
Official Order: Schools Shut for All Boards
The closure includes:Schools Must Provide Relief Measures for Students
School Transport Remains Restricted
Online Classes May Continue at School’s Discretion
However, the government clarified:Parents Welcome the Decision
Schools May Reopen After January 1 – Weather-Based Decision Pending
If the cold wave continues, the government may extend the school closure further into the first week of January.
