The severe cold wave continues to affect northern India, disrupting daily life and raising health concerns, especially for children and students. In response, several districts across Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh have temporarily closed schools to ensure the safety and well-being of students.

In Jharkhand’s capital, Ranchi, a major directive has been issued by the district education office. All government, private, and aided schools from kindergarten to class 12 will remain closed from December 27 to December 31, 2025. This order has been issued under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Protection Code, citing weather department warnings that place Ranchi in the yellow zone, indicating a high likelihood of severe cold and cold wave conditions. On Friday, Ranchi recorded a minimum temperature of 7 degrees Celsius, which is expected to drop further.

Other areas in Jharkhand such as Jamshedpur and surrounding regions have also felt the impact of the cold, with temperatures falling to around 10 degrees Celsius. Dense fog, icy winds, and poor visibility are making conditions difficult. Rural areas like Potka, Ghatsila, Patamda, and Jadugoda are experiencing intense cold. In Gumla and nearby districts, temperatures have plunged to as low as 3 degrees Celsius.

In Bihar, the cold wave has severely affected Patna, Saharsa, Nalanda, and Bhojpur districts. The Patna district magistrate, Tyagarajan S.M., ordered that all government and private schools up to class 8 will remain closed until December 30, 2025. Classes for students in class 9 and above will be conducted only from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Saharsa district has closed all schools up to class 10 until December 30, while Nalanda has extended the closure of schools up to class 10 until December 31. Bhojpur district has directed that all government, private schools, and Anganwadi centres from classes 1 to 8 will remain completely closed from December 27 to 31.

In Uttar Pradesh, the Bareilly district has declared holidays for students from classes 1 to 8 on December 29 and 30, 2025, due to dense fog and severe cold. However, teachers are required to be present for administrative duties during school hours. The weather department has issued red and orange alerts for fog in Bareilly.

Winter vacations across the country are as follows: Delhi from January 1 to 15, 2026; Punjab from December 22 to January 10; Haryana from January 1 to 15; Odisha from December 23 to January 1; Uttar Pradesh possibly from December 20 to 31; and Kendriya Vidyalayas from December 23 to January 1.

The administration has strictly instructed all school authorities to comply with these orders, emphasizing that no compromise will be made on children’s health. Further updates will be provided once weather conditions improve.