Uttar Pradesh is reeling under a severe cold wave, with dense fog engulfing large parts of the state and severely disrupting daily life.
More than 100 trains are running behind schedule in several cities, including Gorakhpur, Lucknow, and Kanpur. Over 10 flights have been cancelled, while many others are delayed. An Air India flight had to circle the Lucknow airport 17 times on Friday due to poor visibility before being diverted to Delhi.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has extended the closure of all schools and colleges up to Class 12 till January 5. The order applies to institutions affiliated with ICSE, CBSE, and the Uttar Pradesh Board.
The Chief Minister directed officials to remain in their respective areas and ensure adequate arrangements for blankets and bonfires. He also instructed that no one should be found sleeping in the open and that night shelters must be fully equipped. Surprise inspections of night shelters have also been ordered.
Earlier, schools were closed from December 29 to January 1 for classes up to 12, while primary schools have been closed from January 1 to 14.
Light rain was reported in several districts, including Mathura, Hathras, Badaun, and Farrukhabad. Dense fog covered around 30 districts, including Kanpur, Gorakhpur, and Jhansi, on Friday morning, with visibility dropping to as low as zero to 10 metres in many areas.
The state capital, Lucknow, witnessed no sunshine until late afternoon, while cold winds intensified the chill, leaving people shivering.
According to the weather office, Barabanki and Hardoi were the coldest districts, recording minimum temperatures of 6°C. Gorakhpur recorded 6.4°C, Azamgarh 6.9°C, Kanpur 7.2°C, and Lucknow 8.6°C.
The Meteorological Department has issued a severe cold wave warning for the next four days, cautioning that dense fog may significantly reduce visibility during morning and night hours. People have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Meteorologist Atul Kumar Singh said there is no immediate relief from the cold in the state over the next three to four days. “Due to dense fog in the morning and evening, visibility will remain very low, and night temperatures will stay below normal,” he said.
According to the department’s forecast, cold and foggy conditions are likely to persist until January 7. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain below normal, while maximum temperatures may hover around normal or slightly above. Some areas may also experience light rain or drizzle due to the influence of a western disturbance.