In response to an ongoing severe cold wave, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday ordered the closure of all schools—from primary to Class 12 across boards including CBSE, ICSE, and UP state—until January 5. The directive comes amid plunging temperatures and dense fog affecting life and transportation across the state.

The Chief Minister also instructed officials to remain on high alert, conduct field inspections, distribute blankets to vulnerable populations, prevent people from sleeping outdoors, and ensure that night shelters are fully operational. Authorities were asked to prioritize public safety during the extreme winter conditions, particularly for children and senior citizens.

Large parts of the state are experiencing dense to very dense fog during early morning and night hours, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Visibility has dropped to near zero in multiple districts, including Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Prayagraj, Kanpur, and Azamgarh in eastern Uttar Pradesh, while cities such as Agra, Hamirpur, Moradabad, and Jhansi in western UP have also reported extremely low visibility.

Also Read: Uttar Pradesh Schools Closed Till January 1 Over Intense Cold Wave

Major cities including Lucknow, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Ghazipur have recorded visibility as low as 50 metres, severely affecting road, rail, and air travel. The IMD has warned that these conditions are likely to persist through January 5, with isolated pockets continuing to face poor visibility beyond that period, posing risks for commuters and daily activities.

Temperatures across the state have dipped markedly below seasonal averages, with several regions reporting departures of more than 5°C below normal. The IMD highlighted that the prolonged cold stress during early mornings and late nights is expected to impact public health, particularly for the elderly and children, necessitating precautionary measures.

Officials have been urged to ensure that citizens have access to essential services, including emergency medical care, electricity, and water, as the cold wave continues. The government has also requested people to avoid unnecessary travel, exercise caution while commuting, and report any emergencies promptly to local authorities to minimize risks associated with the harsh winter conditions.

Also Read: Bihar Under Severe Cold Wave: Red Alert in 12 Districts, Dense Fog Disrupts Life