Uttar Pradesh schools closed until Jan 5 as cold wave continues

Uttar Pradesh has announced that all schools up to Class 12 will remain closed until Jan 5 due to the ongoing cold wave, affecting CBSE, ICSE, and UP Board institutions across the state.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath cited severe cold, dense fog, and concerns for student safety in issuing the directive. Earlier, schools had been closed until Jan 1, 2026, under the previous order.

“The safety of children is paramount during the cold wave, and any negligence in this regard will not be tolerated,” he said. Students and parents have been advised to follow updates from their schools regarding reopening schedules.

Other states have also extended winter closures or revised school schedules. In Jammu and Kashmir, pre-primary schools will remain shut till Feb 28, 2026; Classes 1 to 8 till Feb 28, 2026; and Classes 9 to 12 till Feb 22, 2026.

Haryana has declared winter vacation from Jan 1 to Jan 15, 2026, with schools closed from Dec 25, 2025, to Jan 5, 2026, and operating hours adjusted to 9:30 am to 3:30 pm due to cold conditions.

In Madhya Pradesh, most schools are expected to reopen in the first week of January 2026. Kerala schools are on winter break from Dec 24, 2025, to Jan 4, reopening on Jan 5.

Authorities stressed that all decisions regarding school closures and reopening will continue to prioritize student safety amid unpredictable weather conditions.