UP Shuts Schools Till January 5 as Cold Wave Tightens Grip Across North India

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath orders closure of all schools up to Class 12 till January 5 due to severe cold wave and dense fog conditions across the state.

Lucknow | January 2, 2026- The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered the closure of all schools up to Class 12 till January 5 in view of the intense cold wave sweeping across the state, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Friday.

The directive applies to institutions affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, state boards and other education boards, as temperatures continue to dip and dense fog disrupts daily life in several regions.

Alongside the school closure order, the state administration has been instructed to remain on heightened alert, with officials directed to conduct field inspections and ensure adequate arrangements at night shelters. Authorities have also been asked to distribute blankets and prevent vulnerable individuals from sleeping in open areas during extreme cold.

Large parts of north, central and eastern India are currently experiencing severe winter conditions, marked by chilling temperatures and persistent fog, affecting road, rail and air travel.

Several districts in Uttar Pradesh reported dense fog and cold wave conditions on Friday. While Agra witnessed relatively lighter fog—allowing partial visibility of the Taj Mahal—cities like Prayagraj remained enveloped in thick fog, significantly reducing visibility and intensifying the chill.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that cold wave conditions are likely to continue in parts of the state over the next few days.

In neighbouring Punjab, the state government has also extended the closure of schools till January 7, citing similar weather concerns. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the decision was taken after consultations with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, prioritising the safety of students and school staff.

According to the IMD, dense fog is expected to persist over Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, while cold wave conditions are likely to affect Delhi, Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan over the coming days.

Authorities across affected states have advised residents to take precautions and limit outdoor exposure during early morning and late-night hours.