Amid an intensifying cold wave and forecasts of dense fog across large parts of northern India, the Uttar Pradesh government has ordered the closure of all schools in the state until January 1, 2026. The decision applies uniformly to educational institutions across districts, regardless of their board affiliation, and is aimed at safeguarding students from harsh winter conditions that have gripped the region in recent days.

According to officials, the closure order comes in response to advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which has warned of a prolonged spell of severe cold and reduced visibility due to dense fog. These weather conditions are expected to persist over the coming days, particularly during early morning and late evening hours, posing significant risks to children commuting to and from schools.

The directive mandates that all schools—from pre-primary to Class 12—remain shut from December 29, 2025, through January 1, 2026. This includes institutions affiliated with all education boards operating in the state, such as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE), the Uttar Pradesh Board, and other recognised national and international boards.

In the state capital, Lucknow, district authorities issued detailed instructions confirming that the closure would cover council schools, primary and upper primary schools, government-run and government-aided institutions, as well as privately managed schools recognised by various boards. The order also extends to Kasturba Gandhi Residential Girls’ Schools, which cater to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and are operated under the state’s education department.

Officials said the move was taken as a precautionary measure after temperature levels dropped sharply across several districts, with night temperatures hovering near the lower single digits in some areas. The cold wave, coupled with persistent fog, has significantly affected visibility on roads, increasing the risk of accidents during school hours. Authorities noted that younger children are particularly vulnerable to cold-related illnesses, making temporary school closures a necessary step.

“The safety and health of students is our top priority,” an official from the state education department said. “Based on the weather forecast and ground conditions, it was decided that keeping schools open during this period could expose children to unnecessary health risks.”

Over the past few days, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a marked dip in temperatures, with cold winds sweeping through the plains and fog enveloping cities, towns, and highways. The IMD has issued warnings indicating that cold wave conditions are likely to continue, especially during the morning hours. In many areas, visibility has dropped to dangerously low levels, disrupting road and rail traffic and affecting daily life.

Parents across the state have largely welcomed the decision, saying it would spare children from early morning exposure to extreme cold. “It’s a relief that schools are closed for a few days,” said a parent in Lucknow. “Young children find it especially difficult to cope with the cold, and travelling in dense fog is risky.”

School administrations have also been instructed to ensure that academic schedules are adjusted accordingly. While physical classes will remain suspended, some private institutions may choose to continue with online lessons, depending on feasibility and internal policies. However, officials clarified that no school would be compelled to hold virtual classes during the closure period, particularly for younger students.

The closure order is part of a broader set of precautionary measures being implemented across the state as winter conditions intensify. District administrations have been directed to monitor weather developments closely and take additional steps if temperatures fall further. In some districts, authorities have already arranged for night shelters, distribution of blankets, and medical assistance for homeless and vulnerable populations affected by the cold.

The education department has also advised school managements to remain prepared for further instructions should the cold wave persist beyond January 1. Officials said that the situation would be reviewed based on updated weather forecasts, and decisions regarding reopening schools would be communicated in a timely manner to avoid confusion among parents and students.

In previous years, Uttar Pradesh has implemented similar measures during severe winter spells, sometimes delaying school timings or temporarily suspending classes. However, this year’s cold wave is being described as particularly intense, with meteorologists attributing it to prevailing atmospheric conditions over northern India.

Medical experts have cautioned that prolonged exposure to cold can lead to health issues such as hypothermia, respiratory infections, and aggravation of existing conditions like asthma, especially among children. Dense fog further compounds the risk by impairing visibility and increasing the likelihood of road accidents.

As the state braces for continued cold weather, authorities have urged residents to take necessary precautions, including staying warm, avoiding unnecessary travel during early morning hours, and keeping an eye on official advisories. Parents have been advised to ensure that children remain indoors during peak cold hours and to seek medical attention if any symptoms of cold-related illness appear.

For now, students across Uttar Pradesh will remain at home until the New Year, offering them a brief respite from classes as winter tightens its grip. The state government has reiterated that all decisions regarding school operations will continue to be guided by weather conditions and the overarching goal of ensuring student safety.