Chandigarh, Jan 7: With cold wave conditions tightening their grip over Punjab, the state government has extended the closure of all schools till January 13, postponing reopening by nearly a week.
The decision covers government, aided, recognised and private schools, officials said on Wednesday, citing low temperatures and reduced visibility due to fog in many districts.
“The extension has been ordered in view of the harsh weather being experienced across the state. Schools will now reopen on January 14,” an education department official said.
Earlier, winter vacations were announced till January 7. However, continuing cold conditions prompted the authorities to revise the schedule.
Data from the weather office showed that minimum temperatures fell below 5 degrees Celsius at several locations. Bathinda emerged as the coldest place in Punjab, recording a low of 4.6 degrees Celsius.
Other cities also reported low night temperatures, with Ludhiana at 6.6 degrees Celsius, Patiala at 7.1 degrees, Amritsar at 7.5 degrees and Gurdaspur at 5.7 degrees Celsius.
Meteorological officials said cold weather is expected to persist, advising people to take precautions, especially during early morning and late evening hours.
