Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued the directive on Friday, citing public safety concerns as temperatures continue to drop and dense fog disrupts daily life. Alongside the school closures, the chief minister instructed district authorities to remain on high alert and take proactive steps to protect vulnerable populations during the severe winter spell.

Officials have been directed to conduct field inspections, distribute blankets, prevent people from sleeping outdoors, and ensure that night shelters are fully prepared and operational.

Cold Wave Tightens Grip Across Uttar Pradesh

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), large parts of Uttar Pradesh are experiencing dense to very dense fog along with below-normal temperatures. Both western and eastern regions of the state are expected to see persistent fog during night and early morning hours until January 5.

The IMD warned that on January 2, 3, and 4, isolated areas could witness extremely poor visibility, significantly affecting road, rail, and air travel. Fog conditions may continue in pockets even beyond January 5.

Several districts in eastern Uttar Pradesh—including Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Prayagraj, Kanpur, and Azamgarh—reported near-zero visibility. Western districts such as Agra, Hamirpur, Moradabad, and Jhansi were also affected. Major cities including Lucknow, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Ghazipur recorded visibility levels as low as 50 metres, according to IMD data.

Temperatures Fall Below Seasonal Average

Minimum temperatures across both eastern and western Uttar Pradesh have dipped more than 5 degrees Celsius below normal at isolated locations. The IMD noted that prolonged exposure to these conditions is causing increased cold stress, particularly during night-time and early morning hours.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as weather conditions remain severe, urging residents to take precautions and limit outdoor exposure during peak cold and fog periods.