Severe Cold Wave and Dense Fog Grip Uttar Pradesh; Schools Closed Until January 5

January 2, 2026

Varanasi: Uttar Pradesh is experiencing bone-chilling cold. The entire state is engulfed in dense fog. In response to the increasing cold, the Yogi government has closed schools and colleges up to grade 12 until January 5th.

The order applies to all ICSE, CBSE, and UP board schools

CM Yogi said, “This order applies to all ICSE, CBSE, and UP board schools. Officials should remain in the area. Arrangements should be made for blankets and bonfires. No one should be found sleeping in the open. Night shelters should have all the necessary facilities. Officials should conduct surprise inspections of night shelters.”

Previously, the Chief Minister had closed schools from December 29th to January 1st through 12th grade. Primary schools have already announced a holiday from January 1st to 14th.

Fog and Cold Disrupt Transport and Daily Life

Light rain fell in several districts, including Mathura, Hathras, Badaun, and Farrukhabad, on New Year’s Day. This increased the chill. On Friday morning, dense fog enveloped 30 districts, including Kanpur, Gorakhpur, and Jhansi. Visibility dropped to zero to 10 meters in many places.

The capital city of Lucknow saw no sunshine until 3 p.m. The cold winds increased the chill, leaving people shivering.

Health Impact: Rise in Heart and Stroke Cases

The number of heart patients has increased in Kanpur. Cardiology admitted 65 patients with heart attacks. Fifteen patients with brain strokes arrived at the Hallet Emergency. Seven of them were brought dead. 509 people were examined in the OPD. A laborer died from the cold in Fatehpur.

Accidents Amid Fog Conditions

Due to fog, two trucks collided in Etawah. The truck caught fire after the accident, trapping the driver in the cabin and burning him alive, leaving only a skeleton. In Hardoi, a Creta car rammed into a trolley carrying sugarcane, injuring four people.

More than 100 trains are running late in several cities, including Gorakhpur. More than 10 flights have been cancelled, while many others are delayed. An Air India flight circled 17 times at Lucknow airport on Friday. Dense fog prevented landing, forcing it to divert to Delhi.

Record Low Temperatures Recorded

Barabanki was the coldest in the state, mercury in Lucknow was 8.6°C. Talking about the last 24 hours, Barabanki and Hardoi were the coldest in the state, where the minimum temperature was recorded at 6°C. After this, the mercury was recorded at 6.4°C in Gorakhpur, 6.9°C in Azamgarh and 7.2°C in Kanpur. The mercury in the capital Lucknow was 8.6°C.

Meteorological Department Issues Cold Wave Warning

The Meteorological Department has issued a severe cold wave warning for the next four days. Dense fog may cause very low visibility during the morning and night hours. People are advised to remain vigilant and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary.

January Weather Outlook