Punjab shuts all schools till January 13 amid dense fog

Punjab has ordered a temporary closure of all schools as the state grapples with dense fog and severe cold, with classes suspended until Jan 13 for students’ safety.

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced that all government, aided, recognized, and private schools will remain closed till Jan 13, following directions from Chief Minister S Bhagwant Singh Mann.

He said the decision was taken to safeguard the health and well-being of students and staff amid adverse weather conditions.

The minister said that schools are scheduled to reopen on Jan 14, 2026.

However, he indicated that the holiday period could be extended further if fog and cold conditions worsen in the coming days.

As per recent weather readings, Punjab recorded a maximum temperature of around 13.4 degrees Celsius and a minimum of about 7.6 degrees Celsius, alongside a dense fog spell between the morning of Jan 6 and the morning of Jan 7.

The maximum temperature has fallen by roughly 5.3 degrees Celsius compared to the previous day, highlighting the intensifying cold wave.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast dense fog conditions from Jan 7 to Jan 9, with minimum temperatures expected to remain near 7 degrees Celsius over the next five days.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as the state continues under a prolonged cold and foggy spell.