Cold Wave Hits Hard: Punjab Extends School Closure Till January 13 Amid Dense Fog

Punjab extends school closure till January 13 as dense fog and severe cold disrupt normal life, affecting students and daily activities.

Punjab is grappling with severe winter conditions as the state government has announced the extension of school closures until January 13, 2026, citing extreme cold and dense fog across multiple districts. The decision, aimed at ensuring the safety of students and staff, has affected thousands of schools, disrupting normal academic schedules and prompting parents to make alternative arrangements.

The closure comes amid a persistent cold wave and thick fog that has enveloped northern India, including Punjab. Meteorological departments have reported temperatures dropping several degrees below normal, with dense fog reducing visibility on roads and highways, thereby increasing the risk of accidents.

Officials stated that the extension of school holidays was a precautionary measure to protect students from exposure to freezing temperatures, frostbite, and respiratory ailments, which are common during such extreme winter spells.

Several districts in Punjab, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, and Bathinda, are experiencing the most severe cold, with morning temperatures hovering near 0°C or even below in certain areas. Rural regions, where infrastructure for heating is limited, are particularly vulnerable.

Schools in urban centres are also affected, as dense fog is causing low visibility on roads, making travel unsafe for children commuting to and from schools. Government authorities have issued fog warnings to commuters and public transport operators.

The Punjab School Education Department has directed all schools, both government and private, to remain closed until January 13. The department has instructed headmasters and principals to ensure students are informed promptly and to avoid scheduling any exams or outdoor activities during this period.

Additionally, the government has urged parents to keep children indoors, wear warm clothing, and stay hydrated. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely and have advised caution, especially for children traveling long distances.

The extended closure is causing concern among educators and parents regarding academic continuity. Teachers are encouraged to use online teaching platforms wherever possible, though connectivity issues in rural areas pose challenges.

Many schools have announced that online classes will be conducted to ensure students do not miss out on curriculum coverage. Some schools are also rescheduling exams and project submissions to accommodate the extended break.

“While safety is our top priority, we are also conscious about maintaining the academic schedule. Online classes and digital assignments will help mitigate the impact of the closure,” said a senior official from the Punjab Education Department.

Dense fog is a major factor behind the extended closure. Visibility on highways and city roads has dropped to less than 50 meters in some areas, leading to multiple minor accidents over the past week.

The State Transport Department has issued advisories to bus operators and commuters, urging drivers to reduce speed, use fog lights, and avoid unnecessary travel during peak fog hours. School buses, in particular, are advised to follow strict safety protocols.

Authorities have also deployed traffic police at major intersections and highways to manage vehicular movement and prevent mishaps. Public transport services are running but at limited speed and capacity to ensure commuter safety.

Medical experts have warned about the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to severe cold, particularly among children and the elderly. Common ailments during winter include:

Cold and cough
Flu and fever
Respiratory infections such as bronchitis
Frostbite and skin irritation

Hospitals and primary health centres have been advised to prepare for an increase in cases, especially in rural districts where access to medical facilities is limited. Parents are advised to ensure children wear layers of warm clothing, woollens, and scarves, and avoid going outdoors unnecessarily.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the cold wave is likely to persist over Punjab for the next week. Dense fog is expected to continue, particularly in the mornings and evenings, due to high humidity and low temperatures.

IMD officials have issued yellow alerts for several districts, indicating a moderate level of threat to daily activities. The forecast suggests that temperatures may remain below 5°C in many parts of Punjab, with night temperatures dipping close to freezing.

Apart from schools, the cold wave and fog are affecting daily life and business operations. Early morning markets see reduced footfall, while street vendors struggle to operate in sub-zero conditions. Public offices are functioning with caution, with employees advised to travel only if necessary.

Local businesses, especially in rural areas, are taking measures to protect their employees from frostbite and cold-related illnesses. Some workplaces have installed heaters and temporary shelters to ensure safety during working hours.

Punjab authorities have issued a comprehensive advisory for residents to stay safe during the cold wave:

Stay indoors as much as possible, especially children and elderly
Wear multiple layers of warm clothing
Keep homes adequately heated but ensure proper ventilation
Avoid long exposure to outdoor cold, especially during early mornings and late evenings
Monitor children for signs of cold-related illnesses

The advisory also includes precautionary tips for travelers, urging people to delay non-essential travel until conditions improve.

The announcement of school closures has gone viral on social media, with parents expressing mixed reactions. Many welcomed the decision, appreciating that safety comes first, while others expressed concern about academic disruption.

Trending hashtags such as #PunjabColdWave, #SchoolClosurePunjab, and #FogAlertPunjab are being widely used as citizens share weather updates and road conditions.

Cold Wave Hits Hard: Punjab Extends School Closure Till January 13 Amid Dense Fog