Schools in Noida and Greater Noida to Remain Closed Till January 15 as Cold Wave, Dense Fog Persist

Amid severe winter conditions gripping northern India, authorities in Gautam Budh Nagar have ordered the closure of schools in Noida and Greater Noida for young students until January 15, 2026. The decision has been taken in view of persistent dense fog and intense cold wave conditions, with the aim of ensuring the safety and well-being of children.

According to an official circular issued by the Office of the District Basic Education Officer (DBEO), classes from Nursery to Class 8 across all boards will remain suspended for the next few days. The order applies to schools affiliated with CBSE, ICSE, IB, UP Board, and all other educational boards operating in the district.

Official order and scope of closure

The circular, issued following directions from the District Magistrate of Gautam Budh Nagar, clearly states that the closure is mandatory and must be strictly followed by all schools. The order comes as weather conditions continue to deteriorate, especially during early morning hours when school children typically commute.

Education department officials said the decision was taken as a preventive measure, keeping in mind the vulnerability of young children to extreme cold, reduced visibility due to fog, and the increased risk of seasonal illnesses.

While physical classes up to Class 8 have been suspended, schools have been advised to communicate clearly with parents regarding any alternative arrangements, including online academic support if required. However, no compulsory online classes have been mandated by the administration at this stage.

Cold wave tightens grip on NCR

The National Capital Region, including Delhi, Noida, and Greater Noida, has been experiencing a prolonged cold wave over the past several days. Residents woke up to biting cold on Sunday morning, with temperatures dropping sharply across multiple locations.

According to data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ayanagar recorded a minimum temperature of 2.9 degrees Celsius, while Palam reported a low of 3 degrees Celsius. Safdarjung, Delhi’s primary weather station, registered a minimum temperature of 4.8 degrees Celsius, which, despite being above the seasonal average, still contributed to severe cold conditions due to icy winds and high moisture levels.

Dense fog has further compounded the situation, significantly reducing visibility during morning hours. Several areas across the NCR reported near-zero visibility at times, disrupting road traffic, flight schedules, and train operations.

Weather alerts and regional impact

The IMD has issued a ‘yellow alert’ for cold wave conditions in Delhi and adjoining regions, warning residents to remain cautious, especially during early mornings and late nights. Meteorologists have indicated that the cold wave is likely to persist for a few more days, with gradual improvement expected only after mid-January.

In its latest weather bulletin, the IMD also forecast cold wave to severe cold wave conditions in isolated pockets of Rajasthan on January 12 and 13. Similar conditions are expected in parts of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Odisha, and North Interior Karnataka during this period.

Officials said the widespread nature of the cold wave has prompted district administrations across northern India to remain on high alert, particularly with regard to schools, shelters for vulnerable populations, and essential public services.

Parents welcome precautionary step

Many parents in Noida and Greater Noida have welcomed the decision, calling it a necessary step to protect children from harsh weather. Several residents pointed out that early morning fog and low temperatures make daily school travel risky, especially for younger students.

“We were worried about sending our child to school in such dense fog. The closure brings relief, at least until the weather improves,” said a parent from Sector 62, Noida.

School administrations have also expressed support for the directive, stating that student safety remains the top priority. Most schools have already begun informing parents through official communication channels, including messages and school apps.

Advisory for residents

Health experts have advised residents to take extra precautions during the cold wave, particularly children, elderly people, and those with respiratory conditions. Wearing warm clothing, avoiding early morning exposure, and staying hydrated have been recommended to reduce the risk of illness.

Traffic police and civic authorities have urged commuters to drive cautiously due to low visibility and slippery road conditions during foggy hours. Emergency services remain on standby to handle weather-related incidents.

What lies ahead

As winter continues to peak in January, authorities are closely monitoring weather patterns before deciding on any further extension of school closures. Parents and students have been advised to stay updated through official district notifications and school announcements.

For now, the closure of schools up to January 15 provides temporary relief amid challenging weather conditions. With cold wave warnings still in place, safety remains the primary concern for both administrators and families across Noida and Greater Noida.