January School Reopenings After Cold Breaks: What Parents Must Prepare

You've just enjoyed a peaceful few weeks with the kids at home, winter vacations are wrapping up, and now it's time to get back to the school routine. But this January, things are a bit different across India because of the severe cold wave that's been hitting northern, eastern, and northeastern states. 

So, let’s talk about what's happening and how you can prepare your child for heading back to school after these extended winter breaks. 

Schools across India are reopening at different times depending on where you live and how cold it's been. 

Most North Indian states like Delhi, Haryana, UP, Punjab, and Rajasthan are having their regular winter breaks, but many has extended them because of the extreme cold and dense fog. Delhi schools, for example, are closed from January 1-15, 2026. Haryana follows the same schedule. 

In Uttar Pradesh, particularly in NCR areas like Noida and Ghaziabad, schools for younger kids (up to Class 8) are closed longer than usual. Many are reopening between January 6-10, depending on the district. 

Eastern states like Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam, and Tripura also extended holidays due to temperature drops of 4-7°C below normal. Assam schools, for instance, were closed until January 6, while Tripura extended closures until January 10. 

The coldest regions like Jammu and Kashmir, have much longer breaks. Schools up to Class 8 won't reopen until March 1, 2026, while Classes 9-12 will resume on February 22. This is normal for them because of the extreme winter conditions. 

South Indian states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala are mostly running on schedule since they don't face the same severe winter conditions. 

We understand that it's frustrating when you don't know the exact reopening date. But these closures aren't random. The Indian Meteorological Department has been issuing advisories about severe cold waves, and authorities are genuinely concerned about children's safety. 

Dense morning fog means poor visibility on roads. Extremely low temperatures can cause health issues, especially respiratory problems in young children.  

Whether your child's school is reopening this week or next month, here's what you should be doing:

Don't assume anything. School timings and reopening dates have changed multiple times in many states. Check:

In places like Bhopal, schools didn't close completely but changed timings to 9:30 AM to protect kids from early morning cold. Your kid’s school might have done something similar.

This is non-negotiable. The cold hasn't gone away just because schools are reopening.Make sure your child has:

Check if their school uniform sweater still fits. Kids grow fast, and what worked in December might be too tight now.

The cold wave has led to increased cases of cold, cough, and flu across northern India. Before sending your child back:

Don't send a sick child to school. You have work, and it might be inconvenient, but spreading illness in the classroom helps no one.

If your child has been sleeping until 10 AM during the holidays, you can't expect them to suddenly wake up at 6 AM and be alert. Start adjusting bedtime and wake-up time at least 3-4 days before school reopens. Move it by 30 minutes each day. A well-rested child will cope better with the transition back to school. 

This sounds obvious, but many kids have left their holiday homework until the last minute. Check:

Even after reopening, things might not be completely normal. Some states are still monitoring weather conditions daily.

Be prepared for:

Keep checking official notifications regularly.

This isn't optional. A child going to school in cold weather on an empty stomach will struggle.

Warm options that work:

Pack a warm lunch too. Cold sandwiches might not be appealing when it's freezing outside.

If your child takes school transport, check with the service about their schedule. Buses might be running late due to fog.If you're dropping them:

For children who walk to school, accompany younger kids or ensure older ones are in groups, especially in foggy conditions.

Some children, especially younger ones, might be anxious about going back. The extended holiday meant more time at home, and suddenly that's changing.Talk to them about:

Don't dismiss their feelings. "It's just school" doesn't help a nervous child.

The first few days back will show how your child is adjusting. Teachers will notice if a child is:

Stay in touch through the usual channels. If your child missed extra days due to illness, inform the school and ask about makeup work.

Getting your child back to school after this extended winter break doesn't have to be stressful. A little preparation, some practical planning, and staying updated with official information will make the transition smooth. 

Focus on the basics: keep them warm, keep them healthy, keep their routine gradually adjusting back to normal. Check with your school about specific requirements or changes.