8 January 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : As winter weather grips much of North India, many parents and students in Punjab are asking a familiar question today: Are schools closed? The state government has confirmed that winter holidays have been extended in several districts due to ongoing cold wave conditions and dense morning fog, prompting school closures to protect children’s health and safety.
Punjab’s education authorities announced this week that classes in both government and private schools would remain suspended through January 13, 2026, responding to repeated advisories from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and local health officials. Early morning temperatures in several regions have dipped near freezing, and dense fog has made travel unsafe for young students in the mornings. This situation — common in mid-winter — has led officials to act pre-emptively to reduce risks for children, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
For many families, the holiday extension means adjusting routines once again. School principals have reiterated that the decision is rooted in student welfare. They pointed out that children are more vulnerable to cold-related illnesses such as coughs, colds, respiratory infections, and even hypothermia when commuting during peak fog hours. The education department’s directive applies uniformly to all schools, including those in urban centres like Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Amritsar, where fog has also disrupted early morning transport.
Parents have largely welcomed the decision, noting that the busier winter months already put extra strain on daily life. Many shared that visibility on roads drops drastically before sunrise, making short journeys to school potentially dangerous. Twitter and other social platforms have swelled with messages from parents supporting the extension, with the hashtag #PunjabWinterHolidays trending regionally as families share photos of frost-covered fields and fog-shrouded roads.
Teachers’ associations in the state have backed the closures, pointing out that cold conditions also affect classroom environments. In many schools, especially those without modern heating systems, interiors can become chilly and difficult to work in. Teachers emphasised that expecting children to perform academically under such conditions is unreasonable and that prioritising health is essential.
While schools remain closed, education officials have encouraged institutions to maintain academic engagement through online learning where feasible. However, authorities have been careful to clarify that no student should be penalised for missing virtual classes due to technology access issues, which remain uneven across urban and rural regions.
The decision also reflects broader weather patterns. The IMD has forecast continued cold wave conditions across Punjab and neighbouring states over the next several days. Dense to very dense fog is expected to persist, particularly in the early morning and late evening, potentially affecting road, rail, and air travel. Local administrators are coordinating closely with meteorological teams to monitor conditions and will review school operations if weather improves.
In many districts, local transport authorities have also issued advisories urging motorists to exercise caution due to reduced visibility. Volunteers and safety personnel are being deployed at key traffic points to assist commuters, and alerts have been issued to the public about using headlights and slow driving during fog conditions.
While students look forward to the extended break, some parents are already turning their attention to alternative learning and engagement opportunities. Many are planning indoor study schedules, educational games, and reading sessions to keep children intellectually active during the pause. Others are using the time for family activities, mindful that the holiday is temporary and academic sessions will resume soon.
Public health officials have reiterated precautionary measures for the cold season. These recommendations include wearing layered clothing, using scarves and masks to cover the face during early morning travel, staying hydrated, and seeking medical attention if symptoms of respiratory illness appear. Children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions are considered especially vulnerable and are advised to remain indoors during peak cold hours.
In addition to Punjab, neighbouring states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have reported similar weather conditions and are closely tracking developments. Some districts in these states have already announced school closures or advisory warnings for extended winter breaks.
For students in Punjab, the key dates to note are January 11–13, 2026, when schools are officially closed. Authorities have indicated that they will make a final call on any further extension based on real-time weather updates and health advisories. Schools are expected to communicate directly with parents through official notices, text messages, and community WhatsApp groups to ensure clarity and avoid confusion.
As winter deepens across the region, parents and educators alike are balancing academic priorities with health and safety concerns. For now, the extended winter holiday provides a breather for families, even as everyone awaits clearer skies and warmer days.
Students are encouraged to rest, read, and enjoy the break responsibly — and to stay tuned to official announcements regarding the reopening of schools.
Summary
Punjab has extended winter holidays through January 13, 2026, due to persistent cold wave and dense fog, keeping schools closed across the state to ensure student safety and health.