The winter vacation period in Punjab has already been extended by one week due to severe cold weather conditions affecting most parts of the province. This decision was taken as temperatures dropped sharply, accompanied by dense fog and cold winds, which made early morning travel unsafe for students. The extension provided temporary relief to parents and children, especially those living in areas where cold weather conditions are more intense. However, with winter still at its peak, concerns are growing about whether the holidays may be extended by another week.
Winter vacations are granted mainly to protect students from harsh weather conditions that can negatively impact their health. During peak winter months, temperatures in Punjab often fall significantly during nighttime and early morning hours. In many districts, students leave for school before sunrise, when the cold is at its most severe. Prolonged exposure to such low temperatures increases the risk of seasonal illnesses, including flu, fever, throat infections, and respiratory problems, particularly among younger children.
Educational authorities usually rely on specific weather indicators before announcing or extending winter vacations. Generally, when the minimum temperature remains between 0 to 5 degrees Celsius for several consecutive days, and cold wave conditions persist, the government considers school closures necessary. Dense fog, which reduces visibility and increases the risk of road accidents, is another major factor in this decision. If weather conditions are comparatively stable and temperatures remain above the critical level, schools are typically kept open, sometimes with revised timings instead of complete closures.
Commenting on the situation, Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hussain stated on January 13, 2026, that the safety of students is the government’s foremost concern. He said, “The provincial government is closely monitoring weather conditions across Punjab. Any decision regarding school closures or further extension in winter vacations will be taken after reviewing weather forecasts and keeping the well-being of students in mind.” His statement reflects that authorities are actively evaluating the situation and remain prepared to act if conditions worsen.
Parents have shared mixed opinions regarding a possible further extension. Many believe that continuing cold weather justifies additional holidays to safeguard children’s health, while others are concerned about academic delays, especially for students preparing for examinations. Education officials have acknowledged both perspectives, emphasizing that any decision will carefully balance student safety with academic requirements.
At present, no official notification has been issued regarding another extension of winter vacations. Schools are expected to reopen according to the revised schedule unless a new announcement is made. Authorities have advised parents and students to rely only on official government updates, as the decision will ultimately depend on upcoming weather conditions and temperature trends across the province.
Weather conditions across Punjab are expected to remain cold in the coming week, with no significant improvement in temperatures. According to prevailing weather trends, most districts are likely to experience chilly mornings and nights, while daytime temperatures may remain below normal for this time of year. Dense fog is also expected to continue in several plain areas, particularly during early morning and late night hours, which may disrupt road traffic and daily routines. Cold winds and dry weather conditions are likely to intensify the feeling of cold, especially in central and northern parts of the province. Although no major rainfall system is expected in the immediate days ahead, the persistence of cold wave conditions suggests that winter severity may continue, prompting authorities to closely monitor the situation. If minimum temperatures remain consistently low and fog conditions persist, weather-related advisories and precautionary measures, including decisions related to school schedules, may remain under consideration.
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