In response to a severe cold wave gripping the region, authorities in Assam have ordered the closure of all government and provincialised schools in the Kamrup Metropolitan district for one week. The directive, issued on Tuesday, mandates the shutdown from December 31, 2025, to January 6, 2026, with classes scheduled to resume on January 7.
Official Order and Rationale Behind the Closure
The decision was formalized through an official order from the district administration, acting on the advice of the Chief Minister’s Office. The primary reason cited is the ongoing cold wave and the imperative to ensure the safety and well-being of students. Provincialised schools, which are privately run institutions taken over by the government, are included in this mandate.
The Inspector of Schools for Kamrup Metropolitan district has issued an advisory to all school heads, instructing them to promptly inform students, parents, and staff about the week-long closure. The advisory explicitly states that no academic or co-curricular activities are to be conducted during this period and asks schools to prepare for a smooth restart after reopening. Private schools, while not under a direct order, have been advised to make decisions in the best interest of their students.
Sharp Temperature Dip and Weather Forecast
The closure follows a dramatic and sudden drop in temperatures in Guwahati, the state capital located within Kamrup Metropolitan district. Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) revealed that on Tuesday, the maximum temperature in the city was recorded at 18.1 degrees Celsius. This reading is a significant 6.4 degrees Celsius below the normal average for this time of year. Interestingly, the minimum temperature was 15.1 degrees Celsius, which is 4.3 degrees above normal.
The weather office has forecast continued challenging conditions. Cloudy skies with light rain or drizzle, accompanied by shallow to moderate fog, are likely in Guwahati until Thursday morning. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 19°C and 14°C, respectively. Meteorologists attribute this pattern to an upper air cyclonic circulation over Northeast Assam and another, now weakened, system over north Bangladesh.
Impact on Daily Life and New Year Preparations
The persistent cold conditions have visibly impacted daily life across the city and several parts of the state. Over the past few days, residents have experienced cloudy weather with intermittent daytime drizzle. The demand for heavy woollens has surged in local markets, and many, especially from poorer sections of society, have been relying on roadside wood fires to keep warm.
While the cold wave has caused disruption, some residents have found a silver lining, noting that the chilly weather has added a distinct atmosphere to the ongoing New Year celebrations. Despite this, the district administration's primary focus remains on public health and safety, prompting the preemptive closure of educational institutions to protect children from the harsh weather.
