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Severe winter conditions continue to grip North India, disrupting daily life and forcing authorities to take precautionary measures to ensure public safety. With temperatures dropping sharply, dense fog reducing visibility, and cold wave conditions persisting, several state governments have announced changes in school schedules. As of now, schools in Haryana will remain closed till January 17, while some districts have extended holidays even further. Parents and students in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh are also closely monitoring official announcements to know when schools will reopen.

Cold Wave Impacts Normal Life Across North India

Over the past few days, North India has been experiencing intense cold weather, accompanied by thick fog during early morning hours. Visibility in many areas dropped significantly, increasing the risk of road accidents and making it unsafe for children to commute to schools. In response, state administrations across Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, and Punjab have implemented temporary measures, including school closures and revised timings.

Officials have clarified that these decisions are purely precautionary and aimed at protecting children, especially younger students, from exposure to harsh weather conditions.

Haryana Schools to Remain Closed Till January 17

The Haryana government has officially extended winter vacations for schools till January 17, 2026. Earlier, schools were scheduled to reopen on January 16, but worsening weather conditions prompted authorities to keep educational institutions closed for an additional day.

In several districts, considering the severity of cold and fog, school holidays have been extended till January 20. In areas where schools are reopening earlier, local administrations have revised school timings to avoid early morning exposure to extreme cold. The primary objective is to safeguard children from health risks and ensure safe travel conditions.

Punjab Revises School Timings Amid Dense Fog

Punjab has opted for a different approach. Instead of extending holidays, the state government has revised school timings due to rising accidents caused by fog and low visibility. From January 16 to January 21, schools will operate under a new schedule.

• Primary schools will function from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

• Secondary and high schools will remain open from 10:00 am to 3:20 pm

This adjustment is intended to ensure that students do not have to travel during early morning hours when fog and cold are at their peak.

What’s the Situation in Delhi-NCR?

As of now, there is no uniform clarity regarding school reopening dates or revised timings in Delhi and nearby NCR regions. Weather conditions remain challenging, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Parents and students have been advised to stay updated through official school notifications and local administration announcements before sending children to school.

Given the unpredictable weather, further changes in schedules cannot be ruled out.

Uttar Pradesh: Schools Closed in Several Districts

In Uttar Pradesh, district administrations have taken independent decisions based on local weather conditions. In Sambhal district, the District Magistrate has declared holidays for all schools from nursery to Class 8 on January 16 and 17.

Several other districts have extended school holidays till January 20, citing cold wave and fog conditions. In cities like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Lucknow, physical classes for students up to Class 8 have been suspended. For senior classes, schools have been allowed to conduct online classes or operate with revised timings.

Meanwhile, in Prayagraj, schools were already closed due to arrangements for the Magh Mela, adding to the extended break for students.

Safety Remains the Top Priority

Education departments across states have reiterated that student safety is their top concern. Young children are particularly vulnerable to extreme cold, and exposure during early morning travel can lead to health issues. Authorities have assured parents that decisions regarding reopening will be taken only after reviewing weather forecasts and ground conditions.

What Parents and Students Should Do

Parents are advised to:

• Regularly check official school messages and district administration updates

• Avoid sending children to school without confirmed instructions

• Ensure children stay warm and protected during extreme weather

Final Update

With cold wave conditions likely to persist for a few more days, school schedules across North India remain flexible. Haryana schools will stay closed till January 17, with some districts extending holidays till January 20. Punjab has revised school timings, while Uttar Pradesh continues to announce district-wise closures. Delhi-NCR is still awaiting clear directives.

Students and parents should stay alert and rely only on official sources for the latest information.