New Delhi, December 25: As intense cold wave sweeps over northern India, Directorate School Education, Government of Haryana has ordered all private and public schools in the state to remain closed on Thursday, December 26. The government has advised all concerned schools to strictly adhere to its order. The statement posted on the official website states intense cold wave as the reason for shut down. Winter 2019: Cold Waves Grip North India as Mercury Dips Following Snowfall in The Hills, Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand Covered in Snow, See Pics.

“Due to intense cold waves in the state, the government has declared holiday on 26.12.2019 in all the private and government schools in the state,” Haryana directorate of school education said in a notification. Winter 2019: Varanasi's Bada Ganesh Temple, Shiva Temple Deity Gets Woollens to Beat Freezing Chill in Uttar Pradesh.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the severe cold spell in North India is likely to continue for the next five days. “Due to the persistence of cold northwesterly winds in lower levels over north-west India and other meteorological conditions, cold to severe cold day conditions are very likely in many pockets in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, and in some pockets over north Rajasthan,” the IMD bulletin said.

Meanwhile, there is no update on private and government schools in Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad as yet. Parents and students are advised to check with the respective schools for any updates.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 25, 2019 11:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).