School Holidays Extended: Delhi, Noida & Haryana Schools Closed Till Jan 17 Due to Severe Cold Wave

North India’s brutal cold wave continues to disrupt daily life in January 2026. Dense fog, sub-zero temperatures, and poor visibility prompt authorities to extend school holidays in key areas like Noida, Haryana, and parts of Delhi-NCR for student safety.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports severe cold wave conditions across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Minimum temperatures drop to 2–4°C in many places, with wind chill making it feel even colder. Dense fog reduces visibility to below 50 meters in mornings, complicating school commutes.

Noida and Greater Noida Closure Extended

Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration orders all schools from Nursery to Class 8 (CBSE, ICSE, IB, UP Board, and others) closed on January 16 (Friday) and January 17 (Saturday). This extends the earlier winter break that ended January 15.

The decision cites persistent dense fog and extreme cold, prioritizing child health and safe travel. Classes resume Monday, January 19, as January 18 is Sunday. Higher classes (9–12) continue normally unless specified otherwise.

Noida School Holidays: Nursery to Class 8 Schools Closed on January 16‑17 Due to Cold Wave and Dense Fog https://www.latestly.com/socially/india/news/noida-school-holidays-nursery-to-class-8-schools-closed-on-january-16%e2%80%9117-due-to-cold-wave-and-dense-fog-7277381.html #Noida #NoidaSchoolHoliday #ColdWave

— LatestLY (@latestly) January 16, 2026

Haryana Winter Break Extension

Haryana Directorate of School Education extends winter vacations for all schools till January 17 (Saturday) statewide. This follows earlier directives amid hazardous fog and low temperatures.

Schools reopen January 19 (Monday). The move protects young students from health risks like respiratory issues and accidents in low-visibility conditions. Some districts may have additional local variations.

Delhi Status and Broader Impact

Delhi schools (government and private) follow the Directorate of Education calendar: winter break ends January 15, with reopening on January 16. No official extension announced yet for Delhi, despite ongoing cold and fog.

However, parents and schools monitor IMD yellow alerts for isolated cold wave pockets. Many private institutions adjust timings or advise caution. Commuting remains challenging with fog delaying buses and trains.

The cold wave affects millions: schools in Chandigarh extend till January 17, while Punjab revises timings (10 am start) till January 21 for primary and higher classes. UP districts announce closures for festivals like Makar Sankranti holy dips, overlapping with weather issues.

Why Closures Happen in Winter

Extreme cold strains children’s developing immune systems. Fog causes respiratory problems, asthma flare-ups, and visibility hazards on roads. Young kids face higher risks during early commutes in sub-zero wind chills.

Authorities prioritize safety over academics during peaks. Parents welcome extensions but worry about lost learning days. Online classes or makeup sessions may follow in some areas.

IMD forecasts gradual relief after January 18–19, but dense fog persists mornings. Stay updated via official DoE websites, IMD alerts, and school notices.

Parents: Keep kids indoors during peak cold, layer clothing, ensure hydration, and monitor health. Schools reopen soon—prepare accordingly.

This viral story highlights how weather dictates life in North India this winter. Stay warm and safe!