Chandigarh: The Punjab government has extended winter holidays in schools across the state, keeping all educational institutions closed until January 13 in view of intense cold weather and dense fog conditions. Schools will reopen on January 14 and resume regular academic activities.
The decision applies to all government, aided, recognised and private schools in Punjab. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the move was taken following the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, with the health and safety of students and staff being the top priority as temperatures continue to fall across the region.
According to the Education Minister, the state has been witnessing a steady increase in cold and foggy conditions, making it unsafe for children to travel to and from schools. Keeping this in mind, the government decided to extend the winter break until Lohri to minimise health risks.
Meanwhile, weather conditions in Punjab remain severe, with dense fog likely to affect all districts and cold wave conditions expected in at least four districts. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert, warning of harsh weather in the coming days. Mohali, Nawanshahr, Rupnagar and Patiala are among the districts where cold wave conditions may intensify.
Over the past 24 hours, the maximum temperature across the state has dropped by around two degrees Celsius and is currently three degrees below normal. Night temperatures have also seen a similar decline. Bathinda recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 4.2 degrees Celsius. Despite the sharp fall in temperatures, the weather is expected to remain dry for now.
Authorities have advised residents to take necessary precautions during the cold spell, especially during early morning and late-night hours when fog and low temperatures are most severe.
