7 January 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : The Punjab government has extended the closure of schools across the state till January 13 in view of the continuing cold wave and dense fog conditions, prioritising the safety and health of students. The decision comes as large parts of Punjab continue to reel under severe winter conditions, with temperatures dipping sharply and visibility remaining poor during early morning hours.
According to officials, the extension applies to all government, aided, and private schools, covering classes from pre-primary to Class 12. The move follows persistent warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which has forecast continued cold wave conditions along with dense to very dense fog in several districts of Punjab over the coming days.
Over the past week, Punjab has witnessed a sharp drop in minimum temperatures, with several areas recording near-freezing conditions during night and early morning hours. Dense fog has significantly reduced visibility on roads, raising concerns about the safety of schoolchildren commuting during early hours. Authorities said these conditions posed a serious risk, especially for younger students.
The state education department stated that the decision was taken after reviewing weather advisories and consulting district administrations. Officials emphasised that student safety remains the top priority and that reopening schools under such weather conditions could expose children to health risks such as hypothermia, respiratory infections, and seasonal illnesses.
Parents across the state have largely welcomed the decision, citing concerns over children travelling to school in biting cold and foggy conditions. Many parents reported that even short distances became hazardous due to near-zero visibility in the mornings, increasing the chances of road accidents.
Teachers’ associations also expressed support for the move, noting that extreme cold affects not only students but also teaching staff. They highlighted that prolonged exposure to low temperatures in poorly heated classrooms can impact both teaching quality and health.
Punjab has seen a rise in cold-related illnesses in recent days, with hospitals reporting increased cases of flu, cough, cold, and breathing difficulties, particularly among children and the elderly. Health experts have advised people to avoid unnecessary early-morning travel, remain adequately covered, and take precautions against respiratory infections.
The IMD has predicted that cold wave conditions are likely to persist due to prevailing northwesterly winds and lack of cloud cover during night hours. Dense fog is expected to continue, especially in central and northern parts of the state, affecting road, rail, and air traffic.
While schools remain closed, the education department has advised institutions to continue academic engagement through online modes where feasible, especially for senior classes. However, officials clarified that no student should be penalised for inability to attend online sessions, given varying access to digital resources.
District administrations have also been instructed to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to ensure public safety during the cold spell. Authorities have urged citizens to follow weather advisories, avoid early morning travel when possible, and drive cautiously in fog-prone areas.
Punjab is not alone in facing severe winter conditions. Neighbouring states such as Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan are also experiencing cold waves and dense fog, prompting similar precautionary measures in several regions. Weather experts say such conditions are typical for this time of year but have been more intense this season.
The Punjab government said it would continue to monitor the weather situation closely and take further decisions regarding school operations if conditions do not improve. Parents and schools have been advised to follow official updates and avoid spreading misinformation regarding reopening dates.
As winter tightens its grip on the region, authorities have reiterated their appeal to citizens to prioritise health and safety, particularly for children and senior citizens. The extension of school closures, officials said, is a preventive step aimed at minimising health risks during this period of extreme cold and poor visibility.
Summary
Punjab has extended school closures till January 13 as severe cold wave and dense fog persist across the state, with authorities prioritising student safety amid low temperatures and poor visibility.