Cold Wave Continues in Punjab, Schools to Reopen January 14

Schools in Punjab will reopen regular classes from January 14, 2026 following an extended winter break caused by the extreme cold and thick fog. The Punjab government previously had been giving winter holidays up until January 13 in order to save the students against extreme weather conditions that hit the state over a number of days.

The news is a relief to parents and students who were awaiting the future of academic schedules, and in which rough weather conditions are still experienced in most districts.

The Reason Why Winter Holidays were protracted

Earlier this month, Punjab suffered a severe cold wave, the dense fog which consistently accompanied it had made visibility very low and especially during morning time. As a reaction, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accepted an extension of school holidays in government, private, and aided schools.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains affirmed that the move was made with the student safety as the first priority and particularly among younger children who travel at early hours of the day.

Punjab
School | Representational Image

Still, Weather Conditions are Challenging

Schools reopened and despite this, the weather is projected to be harsh in the coming few days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded alerts of the extended cold day and heavy to very heavy fogs in a number of regions of Punjab.

IMD weather alert Punjab, Some of the districts have fallen below the freezing point with places such as Bathinda, Amritsar, and Ludhiana recording biting cold and sunshine scarcity.

Weather Forecast of Punjab in the Next 7 Days

Weather conditions will get even better not instantaneously according to IMD projections:

  • January 13-14: Considerable cold wave with heavy fog in the morning and evening.
  • January 15-16: cold day conditions should continue, visibility might decrease with the fog.
  • After January 17: Minimum temperature gradually increases, clear skies will be observed.
  • January 19: Radical change of severe cold, dry weather probably in or about the greater number of districts.

Travel during the morning may still be a challenge because of poor visibility especially in rural and highway serviced regions.

Schools are Allowed to Observe Winter Times

Schools have begun to reopen although most schools are likely to remain on winter schedules, beginning classes later than usual to avoid the colds at the peak time of the day. Some of the private schools have already updated the parents regarding altered schedules and student advice.

School administrations are advised to keep parents updated in case there is any last-minute change or specific to the district instructions.

Schools reopen January 14 Punjab: Punjab schools reopen from January 14 as winter holidays end amid cold wave and dense fog alert.

Student and Parent Safety Advisory

Governments and medical professionals have warned against carelessness as schools resume business during cold weather:

  • Learners are supposed to be well dressed and not subjected to cold air.
  • The operators of school transport are encouraged to employ the use of fog lights and carry out safe speeds.
  • Children who experience problems with their breathing should take special precautions at early mornings.

There have been increased cases of cold related illnesses in hospitals around the state especially among children and the aged.

Punjab

State Surveillance Intimately

According to the Punjab government, it is keeping a tight eye on the weather conditions and will come up with new warnings in case of worsening of the situation. Local decisions have not been ruled out by the officials in the event of extreme fog or cold reoccurring in certain areas.

In the meantime Punjab weather forecast, regular schools throughout Punjab should operate as usual since January 14, with precautions being taken.

Disclaimer

The weather can be different in the districts. The most recent changes are recommended to be adhered to by parents and students regarding official governmental notifications and school-level announcements.