In response to a severe cold wave gripping northern and northeastern India, multiple state governments have announced the closure of schools to protect students from plummeting temperatures and dense fog. The states of Punjab, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand have taken decisive action, extending winter breaks or ordering temporary shutdowns as weather conditions continue to disrupt normal life.
State-Wise Directives for School Closures
Punjab has declared holidays for all educational institutions until January 7, 2026. The state's Education Minister, Harjot Singh Bains, announced the decision on social media platform X, acting on the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The order applies uniformly to government, aided, recognised, and private schools across Punjab, with all institutions scheduled to reopen on January 8, 2026.
In Assam, the Kamrup Metropolitan district, which includes Guwahati, has shut all government and provincialised schools for a week. The closure is effective from December 31, 2025, to January 6, 2026, with classes set to resume on January 7. The district's Inspector of Schools has instructed the suspension of all academic and co-curricular activities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that Guwahati recorded a maximum temperature of 18.1°C recently, which is 6.4 degrees below the seasonal normal.
Closures in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand
The Gautam Buddha Nagar district in Uttar Pradesh has ordered the closure of all schools till January 1, 2026. The directive from District Basic Education Officer Rahul Pawar covers all classes from nursery to 12th standard and includes schools affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, IB, UP Board, and other boards. While students stay home, teachers and staff of government and non-government schools must report for duty. Schools in the district are expected to reopen on January 2.
Similarly, Bihar and Jharkhand have extended winter breaks due to the intense cold. Schools in Bihar remained closed until December 30, while in Jharkhand, institutions will stay shut until December 31. The Jharkhand administration issued a yellow alert for several parts, including the capital Ranchi, taking a precautionary step to safeguard children from health risks associated with the cold wave.
Official Rationale and Weather Outlook
Authorities across all states have cited health and safety concerns for children and staff as the primary reason for the closures. District administrations and state governments have emphasized that these decisions are based on the prevailing severe weather conditions, with further actions contingent on updates from the meteorological department.
The IMD has forecast continued challenging weather, with cloudy skies, light rain, and shallow to moderate fog expected in isolated places over Assam. An upper air cyclonic circulation over Northeast Assam is influencing the current cold spell. Officials have indicated they are closely monitoring the situation and will issue new directives as needed.
This coordinated response highlights the significant disruption caused by the winter season across a vast swathe of India, putting the well-being of students at the forefront of administrative action.
