In view of the intensifying cold wave sweeping across Uttar Pradesh, Honorable Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday ordered the closure of all schools—from primary classes to Class 12—across all educational boards till January 5. The directive applies to government and private institutions affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, UP Board and other boards operating in the state.
The decision comes as large parts of Uttar Pradesh continue to reel under harsh winter conditions marked by plummeting temperatures and dense to very dense fog, severely affecting daily life. Along with school closures, the chief minister instructed district administrations to remain on high alert and ensure adequate measures to protect vulnerable sections of society from extreme cold.
Administration Put on High Alert
CM Yogi Adityanath directed officials to carry out regular field inspections, intensify the distribution of blankets, prevent people from sleeping in open spaces, and ensure full preparedness at night shelters. He emphasized that no negligence would be tolerated in providing relief to the poor, homeless and elderly during the ongoing cold wave.
Authorities have been asked to keep night shelters fully functional with adequate bedding, heating arrangements and basic medical facilities. Special instructions have also been issued to local bodies to monitor public places and ensure that cold-related distress cases are addressed promptly.
Dense Fog and Cold Grip the State
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), intense winter conditions are prevailing across both eastern and western Uttar Pradesh. Dense to very dense fog is expected to persist during night and early morning hours till January 5, with isolated pockets likely to experience poor visibility even beyond this period.
The IMD warned that on January 2, 3 and 4, dense to very dense fog may occur at isolated locations, significantly disrupting road, rail and air traffic. Fog conditions have already turned severe in several districts, leading to delays and safety concerns.
Visibility dropped to near-zero levels at many places in eastern Uttar Pradesh, including Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Prayagraj, Kanpur and Azamgarh. Similar conditions were reported from western districts such as Agra, Hamirpur, Moradabad and Jhansi. Major cities including Lucknow, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Ghazipur recorded visibility as low as 50 metres, the IMD said.
Temperatures Dip Well Below Normal
Minimum temperatures across Uttar Pradesh have fallen sharply below seasonal averages. Both eastern and western parts of the state recorded departures of more than 5 degrees Celsius below normal at isolated locations. The IMD noted that the combination of low temperatures and dense fog is resulting in prolonged cold stress, especially during night and early morning hours.
Health experts have advised people to avoid unnecessary travel during foggy conditions, wear adequate warm clothing and take precautions against cold-related illnesses.
With no immediate relief in sight, authorities remain on standby as the cold wave continues to affect millions across the state, prompting heightened vigilance and emergency preparedness.
