The cold wave forced the closure of schools in Patna till January 11.
Photo Credit: The Suncity News.
Patna, January 8, 2026: Amid a severe cold wave gripping Bihar, Patna District Magistrate Dr. Tyagarajan SM has ordered the closure of schools up to Class 8 to protect children from adverse weather conditions.
In an official order issued on Thursday, the District Magistrate stated that all government and private schools, including Anganwadi centres, pre-schools in Patna district, will remain closed for academic activities up to Class 8 till January 11, 2026.
Children’s health may be compromised due to the severe cold wave:
“In continuation of the order vide Memo Number 75/Legal dated January 3, 2026, it has appeared to me that due to the prevailing severe low temperature, the health and life of children may be adversely affected. Therefore, under Section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sahita (BNSS), academic activities of all government and private schools up to Class 8 are prohibited till January 11, the DM stated.
As per the order, Class 9 and above may continue, but only between 10.30 am to 3.30 pm, and with due precautions.
Special classes, pre-board examinations, and board examinations are exempted from this restriction.
The order will come into effect from January 9, 2026, and remain valid till January 11, 2026.
School authorities have been directed to reschedule academic timings strictly in accordance with the order.
Cold wave intensifies across Bihar:
The intense cold wave has severely disrupted daily life across Bihar.
Despite bone-chilling temperatures, people are compelled to step out for work, while dense fog has significantly reduced morning visibility.
The cold wave is being attributed to active Western Disturbances in North India and heavy snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, allowing cold westerly winds to sweep into the plains of Bihar.
Except for Madhubani, minimum temperatures in all 37 districts of Bihar have dropped below 10 degrees Celsius.
In the last 24 hours, Bhagalpur, Sheikhpura, Chhapra, Kishanganj, and Gaya recorded minimum temperatures around 7 degrees Celsius. Bhagalpur recorded the lowest temperature in the state at 4.4 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for cold wave conditions and dense fog across all districts of Bihar.
According to the IMD, cold winds at speeds of 20-30 kmph are expected in several districts. The chill will be more severe in open areas, fields, and highways. No immediate relief from the cold is expected for the next 3 to 4 days.
Also Read: Schools closed up to class 8 in Muzaffarpur till January 7 due to severe cold.
EOM.