Holidays in schools of UP: Due to cold wave, schools had to be closed in many districts

Last updated:December 26, 2025, 09:23 IST

School Holidays: Severe cold wave and dense fog across Uttar Pradesh has forced authorities to close schools in many districts.

Schools were closed in many districts of Uttar Pradesh as normal life was disrupted due to severe cold wave and dense fog. (Representative image/PTI)

UP school holidays: Uttar Pradesh is being hit by a severe cold wave, disrupting daily life and forcing authorities to take precautionary measures for the safety of children. Varanasi and many parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh have recorded a sharp drop in temperature with dense fog and low visibility.

Keeping in mind the health and safety of children, the Varanasi district administration has ordered the closure of all schools up to class 5 for Friday. This order applies to government, private and aided schools and has been implemented with immediate effect. Officials said the decision was taken as the cold wave continues to intensify and visibility remains dangerously low in the morning.

The effect of cold wave is not limited to Varanasi only. Similar weather is being seen in western, central and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Dense fog has reduced visibility on the roads, increasing the risk to school buses and other vehicles.

The district administration and education department are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Schools closed in many districts

Apart from Varanasi, districts like Prayagraj, Lucknow, Kanpur and Meerut are also experiencing extreme cold. In some districts, schools up to class 8 have been closed, while others have revised school timings. Where schools remain open, classes are being held from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm to help students avoid exposure to the morning chill and fog. Parents have been advised to check official school notifications before sending their children.

According to IMD, ‘Yellow’ and ‘Orange’ alert has been issued for many parts of Uttar Pradesh for the next 48 hours. Dense fog has reduced visibility to less than 50 meters in many areas, raising concerns about road safety. Keeping this in mind, the authorities have urged schools and parents to strictly comply with the safety guidelines.

Due to cold wave and fog in Sambhal district, schools from nursery to class 12 of all boards will remain closed on December 26 and 27.

Also read: CBSE to reopen CTET 2026 application window from December 27, details here

Guidelines for senior students and teachers

Schools from classes 9 to 12 have not been completely closed as pre-board and board exams are approaching. However, revised timings have been introduced. Teachers have been instructed to ensure proper heating arrangements in classrooms and allow students to wear heavy woolen clothes. Schools have also been instructed not to conduct classes early in the morning or late in the evening.

Parents are advised to stay updated through official school communication channels and district websites as there may be further changes in the school schedule due to weather conditions.

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