Schools across Delhi NCR and parts of North India will remain closed until January 15 as authorities continue precautionary measures amid severe cold wave conditions and dense fog. The decision affects both government and private schools and is aimed at protecting students from health risks and unsafe travel during early morning hours.
The closure period also coincides with Makar Sankranti on January 14, effectively extending the winter break for many students across the region.
Key Updates at a Glance
• Schools in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram to remain closed until January 15
• Orders apply to government and private schools
• All classes affected in Delhi and Haryana
• Classes up to 8 affected in Noida and Ghaziabad
• Closure overlaps with Makar Sankranti on January 14
• Decision driven by cold wave, dense fog, and low visibility warnings
Delhi Extends Winter Break for All Schools
In Delhi, authorities have extended the winter vacation for all schools as temperatures continue to remain below seasonal averages. Dense fog during morning hours has significantly reduced visibility, raising concerns over road safety and children’s health.
The closure applies to government, aided, and private schools across all classes, with officials stating that reopening will be reviewed only after weather conditions stabilise.
Noida and Ghaziabad Shut Schools Up to Class 8
District administrations in Noida and Ghaziabad have ordered schools to remain closed for students up to Class 8 until January 15.
Officials cited continued cold wave conditions and recurring fog as the primary reasons, adding that younger children are more vulnerable to cold-related illnesses and travel risks.
Gurugram and Haryana Extend Winter Holidays
In Gurugram and other parts of Haryana, education departments have extended winter holidays for all schools. Repeated episodes of dense fog and cold mornings have prompted district authorities to maintain the closure as a precautionary step.
Private schools have been directed to follow the same advisory without exception.
Weather Conditions Driving the Decision
The closures follow persistent warnings from the India Meteorological Department, which has forecast ongoing cold wave conditions and dense fog across the northern plains.
Visibility in several NCR pockets has dropped sharply during early mornings, while cold temperatures increase the risk of respiratory illnesses among children. Officials say these factors collectively necessitated extending school closures.
Makar Sankranti Adds to Extended Break
With Makar Sankranti falling on January 14, the extended closure has resulted in a longer holiday period for students across Delhi NCR and neighbouring regions. Authorities clarified that while the festival is not the reason for the closure, the overlap has influenced the academic calendar this week.
What Happens Next
Education departments across Delhi NCR have said the situation will be reviewed after January 15 based on updated weather forecasts. Schools have been advised not to resume physical classes until formal instructions are issued.
Parents are urged to rely only on official notifications from schools and district administrations, as weather-related advisories may change at short notice.
FAQs
Until what date are schools closed in Delhi NCR?
Schools across Delhi NCR are closed until January 15, subject to review based on weather conditions and official advisories.
Which cities and regions are affected by the school closures?
The closures apply to Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram, along with other parts of Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh.
Are all classes affected in every city?
In Delhi and Haryana, schools are closed for all classes. In Noida and Ghaziabad, the closure currently applies to students up to Class 8.
Why have schools been closed?
Schools have been closed due to a severe cold wave and dense fog, which have led to low visibility and increased health and safety risks for children during early morning travel.
Is Makar Sankranti the reason for school closures?
No. Makar Sankranti on January 14 is not the reason for the closures. However, the festival coincides with the extended winter break, effectively lengthening holidays for students.
Will schools conduct online classes during the closure?
Some private schools may opt for online classes, depending on their internal policies and local advisories. There is no uniform directive mandating online classes.
Who decides when schools will reopen?
Reopening decisions are taken by district administrations and education departments, based on weather updates from the India Meteorological Department.
How will parents receive updates on reopening?
Parents should rely on official communication from schools, district authorities, and state education departments. Unverified messages on social media should be avoided.
Could the school closure be extended further?
Yes. Authorities have indicated that closures may be extended beyond January 15 if cold wave and fog conditions persist.
Do these closures apply to colleges and universities?
At present, the advisories primarily apply to schools. Colleges and universities follow separate guidelines issued by their respective administrations.