Patna: All schools up to class 8 in Patna will remain closed until January 8 as a severe cold wave and icy conditions continue to grip the state. The district administration said the decision was taken to safeguard the health of children amid falling temperatures.
Earlier, schools for students up to class 5 had been ordered closed until January 5, but authorities extended the closure after temperatures dropped further. Schools for classes 9 to 12 will operate on reduced hours, from 10:30am to 3:30pm. The directive applies to all government, aided, private, and CBSE and ICSE-affiliated institutions. Patna District Magistrate Dr Thiyagarajan S M issued the order.
अत्यधिक ठंड के कारण विद्यालयों के संचालन के बारे में आदेश@IcdsDirectorate @BiharEducation_ pic.twitter.com/h1oDcMATT3
— District Administration Patna (@dm_patna) January 3, 2026
Bihar’s plains have been hit hard by icy winds following heavy snowfall in the state’s hilly regions. The India Meteorological Department has warned of cold day conditions and dense fog for the next two days. On Saturday, maximum temperatures in most cities fell by up to 7°C, while minimum temperatures rose slightly in some areas. Only five districts recorded minimum temperatures below 10°C.
Visibility in Patna dropped to just 100 metres in the morning, slowing traffic on highways and main roads. The city recorded a maximum of 14.4°C and a minimum of 10.8°C. Several flights were cancelled, and dozens of trains reached the city several hours behind schedule due to the fog.
