Punjab schools will remain closed until January 13 due to severe cold and dense fog, with all government, aided, recognized, and private institutions affected. This decision, announced by Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, prioritizes student and staff safety amidst plummeting temperatures, with some areas recording lows below 5 degrees Celsius. Schools are scheduled to reopen on January 14. This marks an extension of earlier holiday periods, initially set to end January 7.