Schools across Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon are extending their winter break closures into the new year as a severe cold wave and dense fog continue to grip North India. Multiple state and district administrations have announced official holidays for educational institutions, prioritizing student safety amid challenging weather conditions.
Official Holiday Declarations for Schools
In a significant move, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared a state-wide shutdown for all schools up to Class 12 until January 1. This directive, issued on Sunday, applies uniformly to institutions affiliated with the ICSE, CBSE, and UP State Board systems.
Following the state's lead, the district administration in Noida took a proactive step. They announced an official holiday for all schools in the district from December 29 to January 1. This decision was made in view of the intense cold and persistent dense fog, aiming to protect children from health risks associated with the harsh weather.
Winter Vacation Schedules and Parental Guidance
It is important to note that many schools in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR), including those in Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon, had already closed for their scheduled winter break. Consequently, regular classes were not in session for a large number of institutions during this period.
However, the new administrative orders ensure a uniform extension of the closure. Parents and guardians are advised to consult their children's individual school calendars or official communications for precise information on the resumption of classes after the New Year.
Severe Weather Conditions and IMD Alerts
The decisions come as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues serious warnings for the region. On Monday, December 29, Delhi experienced dense fog in the early morning hours. The IMD has forecasted the continuation of dense to very dense fog during night and morning hours over several states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, until at least December 31.
Specifically, for West Uttar Pradesh, the alert is valid till December 31, and for East Uttar Pradesh, it extends until January 1. The IMD also predicted the possibility of cold day conditions at isolated places in these divisions on December 28 and 29.
For Delhi NCR, the forecast indicated dense fog at a few places and very dense fog at isolated spots during Monday morning. Temperature-wise, the capital is likely to see maximums between 21°C to 23°C and minimums ranging from 7°C to 9°C.
The IMD's analysis suggests that while minimum temperatures will be near normal, maximum temperatures are expected to remain above the average range for this time of year. An orange alert for dense fog remains in effect for parts of North India, signaling caution for residents and travelers alike.
