Schools in Delhi will remain closed for students up to Class 5 for the next five days due to harsh cold conditions, citys Education Minister Atishi announced on Sunday.All Delhi schools to remain closed till January 12Taking it to X, Atishi said, “Schools in Delhi will remain closed for the next five days due to the prevailing cold weather conditions, for students from Nursery to Class 5.”Schools in Delhi will remain closed for the next 5 days due to the prevailing cold weather conditions, for students from Nursery to Class 5.— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) January 7, 2024Classes were scheduled to resume on Monday after the winter break that started January 1. However, the intense cold snap has prompted an extension of the closure.On Saturday, the Delhi government had ordered schools shut till January 10. But hours later, the Directorate of Education retracted the directive, saying it was incorrectly issued. A decision was expected Sunday based on weather assessments.For several days, Delhi and neighbouring states have suffered cold to severe cold day conditions. Maximum temperatures dropped below normal as dense fog blocked sunlight.IMD report on cold waveCold day to severe cold day conditions are likely to continue in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Rajasthan during the next two days and significant decrease thereafter, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated.On Saturday, Delhis maximum temperature was 15.2 degrees Celsius, four notches below normal, per IMD data. Sundays minimum temperature was recorded at 8.2 degrees Celsius, one degree above average.The weather agency also predicted shallow fog in the coming days. Maximum and minimum temperatures are expected around 16 and 8 degrees Celsius respectively.Why winter vacations extended in DelhiThe extended school closure aims to protect children from health risks associated with prolonged exposure to the extreme cold. Officials will review the situation later this week to decide on reopening schools.Authorities have advised the public to take precautions while venturing out, particularly in the early mornings and late evenings as the cold wave continues gripping the national capital region.
