Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday, directed the closure of all schools up to Class 12 across ICSE, CBSE, state and other boards till 5 January due to the severe cold wave.
The UP government has asked officials to remain vigilant with field inspections, ensure blankets, prevent people from sleeping in the open, and make complete arrangements in all night shelters.
The orders come as large parts of north, central, and eastern India continue to battle a severe cold wave accompanied by dense fog on Friday, disrupting daily life and transport services.
On Thursday, the IMD had issued a weather forecast – warning of dense fog over Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and cold wave conditions in Delhi, Chandigarh among other states – as winter tightens its grip.
Fog blankets UP cities
In Uttar Pradesh, fog and cold wave conditions were reported across several cities on Friday, 2 January. Agra witnessed comparatively lighter fog, allowing clear views of the Taj Mahal. Visuals from the Taj View Point ADA showed the monument visible despite the fog.
At the same time, Prayagraj was engulfed by a thick layer of fog amid intensifying cold wave conditions.
Schools closed in Punjab
Schools across Punjab will remain closed till 7 January after the state government issued an order in view of the ongoing cold wave and dense fog. The move aims to safeguard the health and safety of students and school staff amid worsening winter conditions.
Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced the extension following consultations with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
Sharing the update on X, Bains said the decision was taken in line with the chief minister’s directions.
IMD weather forecast
Besides fog and cold wave conditions, IMD has also warned of cold wave conditions at isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh from January 1 to 4, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi between January 2 and 5, and Rajasthan from January 4 to 7, 2026.
