Patna: Schools up to class 8 in Patna will remain closed until January 2 after the district administration ordered precautionary measures in response to a severe cold wave sweeping across Bihar.
The decision was taken by the Patna district magistrate on Tuesday amid warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) that cold day conditions, dense fog and low visibility are likely to persist across much of the state over the coming days.
According to the IMD’s Patna centre, Bihar is expected to witness dry weather for the next seven days, but this will be accompanied by widespread fog, suppressed daytime temperatures and persistent cloud cover. Several districts are already recording cold day conditions, where daytime temperatures remain significantly below normal.
अत्यधिक ठंड के कारण विद्यालयों के संचालन के बारे में आदेश@BiharEducation_@IcdsDirectorate@BiharHomeDept pic.twitter.com/MafaF0ruqZ
— District Administration Patna (@dm_patna) December 30, 2025
Meteorologists have forecast dense fog in parts of northern and south-western Bihar on Wednesday. On January 1, the first day of the new year, dense fog is likely across large parts of north-central, north-western, south-central and south-western Bihar, with isolated pockets also expected in north-eastern and south-eastern districts.
The cold spell is expected to extend into early January. On January 2, cold day conditions are likely in parts of north-western and north-eastern Bihar, with dense fog forecast in many districts. Similar conditions are expected to continue between January 2 and January 3, particularly in north-western and eastern parts of the state, where poor visibility may disrupt daily life and transport.
Authorities said the temporary closure of schools was aimed at protecting children from prolonged exposure to the cold, especially during early morning hours. Residents have been advised to remain cautious as the cold wave tightens its grip on the state heading into the new year.
