Cold wave grips North India as IMD issues alerts; Rajasthan schools extend holidays, Delhi shivers near 3°C

A severe cold wave continues to grip large parts of North India, throwing daily routines out of gear from Rajasthan to the national capital. Night temperatures in several areas have dipped close to the freezing mark, prompting district authorities in Rajasthan to extend school holidays and alter class timings. Officials said precautionary measures will stay in place and could be adjusted on a day-to-day basis depending on how temperatures trend.

Rajasthan: School holidays extended in 13 districts

In Rajasthan, district administrations have issued fresh orders extending school holidays and altering timings to protect students from severe cold. Night temperatures in many districts of Rajasthan have dipped to 3–4 degrees Celsius in several areas, prompting local officials to act.

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In Jaipur, schools for classes up to Class 5 remain closed through January 13. For senior students, classes 9 to 12 will operate from 10 am to 4 pm starting January 14, ensuring travel only after sunrise.

Other districts have announced similar measures:

• Nagaur: Classes up to Class 5 closed till January 13.
• Dausa: Holiday for all students up to Class 8.
• Sikar: Classes 1 to 5 remain closed.
• Jalore: Classes up to Class 5 closed till January 14.
• Jhunjhunu: Classes 1 to 8 closed till January 13.
• Dungarpur: Classes 1 to 8 remain closed on Tuesday.
• Hanumangarh: Classes 1 to 8 remain closed on Tuesday, with schools set to reopen on January 14.
• Ajmer: All schools operating from 10 am to 4 pm until further notice.
• Churu: Classes up to Class 8 closed on Tuesday.
• Jodhpur Division: Schools functioning from 10 am to 4 pm.

Officials have clarified that these directions apply to both government and private schools unless stated otherwise.

IMD issues alert

The IMD has issued red, orange and yellow alerts for cold wave conditions across parts of Rajasthan. Meteorologists say clear night skies, dry northerly winds and low humidity are driving the sharp drop in temperatures. While afternoons are slightly warmer, mornings remain bitterly cold, with fog reducing visibility in many districts.

Weather officials expect conditions to remain harsh for at least the next two days, after which a gradual rise in minimum temperatures is likely.

Air quality remains a concern in the capital

Cold weather conditions have also trapped pollutants closer to the ground. According to data from the , Delhi’s Air Quality Index stood at 293, categorised as ‘poor’.

When can relief be expected?

IMD officials say a gradual improvement in weather conditions is likely only after January 14–15, once wind patterns begin to shift. Until then, cold wave conditions are expected to continue across much of North India, with foggy mornings and chilly nights remaining the norm.