Delhi, UP, and Haryana schools closed till January 15 as cold wave and dense fog continue. Check latest updates on winter holidays and school reopening.
The holiday period was planned in advance as part of the academic calendar for the 2025–26 session, keeping in mind Delhi’s harsh winter conditions. (File Photo)
A sharp drop in temperatures and persistent dense fog have brought daily life in North India to a near standstill, prompting authorities to extend winter holidays for schools across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. With visibility remaining poor during early morning hours and cold conditions intensifying, education departments have decided to keep schools closed to protect students’ health and safety.
The decision comes as several regions continue to experience a strong cold wave, making travel difficult, especially for young children who attend school during early hours.
Schools in the national capital will remain closed until January 15, as per the winter vacation schedule announced by the Directorate of Education (DoE), Government of NCT of Delhi. The winter break began on January 1 and applies to all government and private schools in the city.
The holiday period was planned in advance as part of the academic calendar for the 2025–26 session, keeping in mind Delhi’s harsh winter conditions. Dense fog, low visibility, and cold mornings are common during this time, often raising safety concerns for students commuting to school.
January is known to be the coldest month in North India. Early morning temperatures often drop to uncomfortable levels, increasing the risk of seasonal illnesses among children. Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to cold weather can lead to respiratory infections, cough, cold, and fever, especially in younger students.
By extending winter holidays, authorities aim to reduce these risks and ensure that children return to school only when conditions improve.
In Uttar Pradesh, the government has ordered the closure of schools from Nursery to Class 8 across all boards until January 15. Officials cited dense fog and extreme cold as the main reasons behind the move.
Morning visibility in several districts has remained dangerously low, making daily travel unsafe. Schools are expected to reopen only after weather conditions stabilize.
Haryana has also aligned with neighboring states by extending winter vacations for all government and private schools. According to the Directorate of School Education, the winter break will continue from January 1 to January 15, with regular classes resuming on January 16.
The move brings uniformity across the region and helps parents plan accordingly during the extended cold spell.
While physical classes remain suspended, some schools may continue with online lessons depending on internal policies. Parents are advised to stay connected through official school communication channels, including WhatsApp groups and school portals, for timely updates.
Parents should also ensure that children remain warm and avoid early morning outdoor activities during the cold wave.
Weather experts predict that cold conditions and fog may persist for several more days. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and may issue further advisories if temperatures fall further.
For now, extended school holidays offer relief to students and parents as safety remains the top priority amid extreme winter conditions.
