The Uttar Pradesh government and various district administrations have ordered the closure of schools across the state as a brutal cold wave and dense fog continue to grip North India this January 2026. While the primary winter break was initially scheduled to end early in the month, the plummeting temperatures have forced officials to prioritize the health and safety of young students. As of today, January 7, several districts including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Lucknow have issued fresh directives extending the holidays for junior classes.
The decision comes in response to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing alerts for severe cold and low visibility caused by thick fog. These weather conditions make early morning commutes dangerous for school-going children, leading to the suspension of physical classes for primary and middle school students.
District-Wise School Closure Updates
The school holiday schedule currently varies by district, as District Magistrates have been authorized to take independent calls based on local weather severity. In Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida), all schools up to Class 8 will remain closed until January 10, 2026. This order applies to all boards, including CBSE, ICSE, and the UP Board.
In the state capital, Lucknow, the district administration has extended the holiday for students up to Class 8 until January 8. Similarly, Ghaziabad has ordered a shutdown for primary and middle sections until January 10. In other regions like Agra and Ghazipur, similar closures are in effect, with some districts even extending the break up to January 14 for the youngest learners.
Impact on Senior Classes and Board Exams
While primary students enjoy an extended break, the rules for senior students (Class 9 to 12) are different. In most districts, schools for higher classes are permitted to remain open, but with revised timings. Generally, these classes are now starting at 10:00 AM and concluding by 3:00 PM to avoid the peak cold hours of the early morning and late evening.
For students preparing for their 2026 board examinations, some schools are continuing classes in an online format or holding special doubt-clearing sessions during the warmer afternoon hours. The government has stressed that academic progress should not be entirely halted, but safety must remain the top priority.
Why the Government Ordered These Closures
The primary reason for the “UP school closed” orders is the extreme drop in minimum temperatures, which have touched 7°C to 8°C in several parts of the state. Dense fog has reduced visibility to below 50 meters in many areas, significantly increasing the risk of road accidents during school bus hours.
Medical experts have also advised that prolonged exposure to such chill can lead to respiratory issues and other health complications in children. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ensure that no child is forced to attend physical classes in hazardous conditions and has warned of strict action against any institution that violates these safety protocols.
What Happens Next?
The current closure orders are mostly valid until the end of this week. However, the state education department and district officials will review the situation again this weekend. If the IMD predicts that the cold wave will continue or intensify, there is a strong possibility that the “UP school closed” status could be extended further into mid-January.
Parents and students are advised to stay in touch with their respective school administrations via official WhatsApp groups or portals for the latest updates. Most government schools are expected to follow the state-wide winter calendar, which often aligns with the January 15 (Makar Sankranti) holiday period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are all schools in Uttar Pradesh closed today?
No, the closures are mostly for students up to Class 8. High school and intermediate students (Class 9–12) are generally attending classes under revised timings, though this varies by district.
2. When will schools in Noida and Ghaziabad reopen?
According to the latest orders, schools in Noida and Ghaziabad for classes up to Grade 8 are scheduled to remain closed until January 10, 2026.
3. Does this order apply to private schools?
Yes, the government directives for school closures due to cold waves apply to all recognized institutions, including private, government-aided, CBSE, and ICSE schools.
4. Are online classes allowed during the cold wave?
Yes, many district administrations have encouraged schools to conduct online classes for senior students so that the academic session stays on track.
5. How can I verify if my child’s school is closed?
The best way to verify is to check the official social media handles (X/Twitter) of your local District Magistrate or wait for a direct notification from your school principal.