Education Minister Harjot Bains shared the update through his official social media account. He said the decision prioritises the health and safety of students and staff. Continuous cold waves and low visibility prompted the government to act swiftly.

The holiday extension applies to all government, aided, recognised, and private schools in Punjab. Authorities advised parents to remain cautious as weather conditions may remain severe. Schools will resume normal academic activities once classes restart.

Earlier, the Punjab government had announced winter holidays from December 24 to December 31. The fresh order extends the break further, offering relief to students during extreme weather.

Neighbouring Haryana has also announced extended winter vacations. The Haryana School Education Directorate declared holidays from January 1 to January 15, 2026. Schools there will reopen on January 16.

Weather experts have warned that cold waves may continue in northern states. Dense fog has disrupted road and rail movement in many districts. Officials urged citizens to avoid early morning travel where possible.

The Punjab government said it will monitor conditions closely. Any further decision will depend on upcoming weather updates. Parents welcomed the move, calling it necessary and timely.

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Weather experts warn that the cold will intensify with the arrival of the New Year. The Meteorological Department has predicted rain and snowfall in higher reaches of Himachal Pradesh over the next 96 hours. This weather system will push icy winds into the plains, impacting Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, Delhi, and parts of Rajasthan.

After snowfall, a strong cold wave from the mountains is expected to sweep across North India. Night temperatures in several Himachal towns may drop between 4 and 7 degrees Celsius. Punjab and Chandigarh could see minimum temperatures fall further to 2–4 degrees Celsius during early January.

Health experts advise people to stay warm, avoid early morning travel, and take extra care during foggy hours. Farmers may benefit from moisture, but commuters should remain cautious as dense fog is likely to persist in the coming days.

The post New Year 2026 Weather Update appeared first on India Podcast.

Airport officials confirmed that diversions began around 1:30 am. Indigo flight 6E 6252, SpiceJet flights SG 386 and SG 012, and Air India Express flight IX 1348 landed safely in Jaipur. All flights diverted due to severe fog conditions at their original destinations.

The Jaipur airport administration arranged ground support and passenger assistance immediately. Officials said they are closely monitoring weather conditions and coordinating with airlines to manage further disruptions.

Dense fog has engulfed Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and other northern states. Visibility dropped sharply on roads, bridges, and elevated highways. Cold wave conditions intensified the chill, increasing discomfort for commuters and travelers.

Weather experts predict continued fog in parts of Rajasthan, especially in northern and eastern regions. Northwestern Rajasthan may experience dense fog during the first week of January. Minimum temperatures are likely to remain near normal over the next few days.

A new western disturbance may bring light rain between December 31 and January 1. This system could affect western and northern Rajasthan. Authorities have advised travelers to check flight updates before heading to airports.

The post Jaipur Airport Flights Diverted Due Fog appeared first on India Podcast.

South India continues to face weather disturbances, with very heavy rainfall warnings issued for North Coastal Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema on December 3.

The IMD further stated that minimum temperatures in Uttar Pradesh will drop by 2–3°C over the next three days. No major temperature changes are expected in Central and East India initially, but a dip of 2–3°C may follow later.

Dense fog is also likely in Assam, Meghalaya, Odisha, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, and Himachal Pradesh on December 4–6. Minimum temperatures in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh continue to remain below 6°C, while several parts of Uttarakhand, Punjab, UP, Haryana, North Rajasthan, and MP are recording 6–10°C.

The post Cold Alert: After the Cyclone, Intense Winter Grip Tightens Over North India; Cold Wave Warning Issued appeared first on India Podcast.