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Jharkhand Schools Shut Till Jan 8 as Cold Wave Intensifies, Temperatures Drop

The Jharkhand government has ordered the closure of all schools until January 8 due to an intensifying cold wave and dense fog. The directive applies to all government and private schools from pre-nursery through Class 12, though teachers are still required to report for duty. The decision follows an IMD forecast predicting minimum temperatures around 5 degrees Celsius and severely reduced visibility from fog in many districts. Authorities have urged parents to keep children indoors as a health precaution against the extreme cold.

Key Points: Jharkhand Schools Closed Until Jan 8 Due to Severe Cold Wave

  • All schools closed Jan 6-8
  • Applies to pre-nursery to Class 12
  • Teachers must report for non-academic duties
  • IMD predicts 5°C lows in several districts
  • Dense fog may reduce visibility to 50m
2 min read

Schools in Jharkhand to remain closed till Jan 8 amid severe cold conditions

Jharkhand govt closes all schools till Jan 8 amid cold wave & dense fog. IMD warns of temps dipping to 5°C, affecting student safety.

"prolonged exposure to such extreme cold conditions could adversely affect the health of young children - Weather experts"

Ranchi, Jan 5

In view of the intensifying cold wave and dense fog conditions across Jharkhand, the state government has ordered the closure of all schools until January 8.

According to an official notification issued by the School Education and Literacy Department on Monday, all government, government-aided, unaided (including minority) and private schools across the state will remain closed from January 6 to January 8, 2026.

The directive applies to students from pre-nursery to Class 12, and no regular academic activities will be conducted during this period.

However, the department clarified that teachers and non-teaching staff of government schools will be required to report to their respective institutions and carry out non-academic duties as assigned.

Regarding pre-Board examinations scheduled during the closure period, the department stated that the competent authority of the concerned schools may take an appropriate decision on their conduct after assessing the prevailing weather conditions.

The decision was taken following the latest forecast issued by the Meteorological Centre in Ranchi, which warned of cold wave and 'cold day' conditions in several parts of the state over the next two days.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that minimum temperatures may dip to around 5 degrees Celsius, particularly in districts such as Palamu, Garhwa, Chatra, Koderma, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla and Hazaribagh.

In addition to this, dense fog is likely to persist during morning hours in northern and western Jharkhand, potentially reducing visibility to between 50 and 200 metres.

Districts including Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad, Deoghar and Palamu are also expected to witness a further drop of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in minimum temperatures over the next 48 hours.

Weather experts have cautioned that prolonged exposure to such extreme cold conditions could adversely affect the health of young children. This has prompted the state government to take precautionary measures in the interest of the safety of the students.

The administration has also appealed to parents not to send their children out of the house unnecessarily and take all necessary precautions in view of the intense cold.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good move, but what about the teachers who still have to report? If it's unsafe for kids, it's unsafe for staff too. The government should reconsider this part of the order.
A
Aman W
As a parent in Hazaribagh, I'm relieved. 5 degrees might not sound extreme to some, but with the humidity and lack of proper heating, it feels much worse. Kids were falling sick. Chhutti ka maza aayega bacchon ko! 😄
S
Sarah B
The clarity on pre-Board exams is crucial. Schools shouldn't force students to come in just for exams during such conditions. Hope all principals make the right call.
V
Vikram M
This is a proactive step. We often complain when governments act late. Here, they're using IMD data and acting before a health crisis among children. Other states with similar conditions should take note.
K
Kriti O
While the closure is needed, I hope online classes aren't forced. Let the kids have a proper break. The cold affects concentration too. Stay warm and safe, everyone! 🧣

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