Jaipur, January 12, 2026: A powerful cold wave sweeping across Rajasthan has brought bone-chilling temperatures, widespread frost and winter disruption, with several districts recording near or below freezing conditions, prompting school closures and weather alerts from authorities.
The intense cold has seen minimum temperatures plunge sharply, with places like Fatehpur recording as low as -3 °C and Nagaur near -1 °C, far below normal for this time of year. In many areas, frost and ice have coated vehicles and outdoor surfaces, resembling snow accumulation and highlighting the severity of winter conditions.
Extreme Cold Across the State
Across Rajasthan, severe cold has been widespread:
- Fatehpur (Sikar) logged temperatures near minus degrees, with frost observed early in the morning.
- Nagaur, Pilani, Churu and Mount Abu similarly recorded frigid minimums, intensifying the cold wave’s impact on daily life.
- In hill station Mount Abu, temperatures dipped to near or below freezing, spreading a thin film of ice that locals described as resembling snow.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued cold wave and dense fog alerts across multiple districts, warning residents to stay cautious as these conditions are expected to persist over the next several days.
Schools Shut to Protect Children
The harsh winter has forced local authorities to take protective measures for students. Jaipur and many other districts have extended winter vacations or declared holidays for lower grades as a precaution:
- In Jaipur, classes from Standard 1 to 5 will remain shut on January 12 and 13 due to extreme cold.
- Dausa, Deeg and Hanumangarh have closed schools up to Class 8 in some areas, while Jaisalmer and Sikar have adjusted schedules for higher classes with delayed starting times.
- Other districts, including Nagaur, Bharatpur and Jhunjhunu, have also extended winter breaks for younger students to protect their health amid the frigid conditions.
Officials have emphasized that although classes for younger students are suspended, teaching and non-teaching staff are still required to report as per regular duty hours.
Impact on Daily Life and Livelihoods
The extreme cold has affected everyday life across the state. Many residents have reported freezing water in pipelines early in the morning, and farmers are altering irrigation schedules to prevent frost damage to crops.
Dense fog during early mornings has reduced visibility on major roads, complicating travel, and outdoor activities have been significantly curtailed as people bundle up in heavy winter clothing.
Health officials have urged citizens, especially the elderly and children, to take precautions against cold-related illnesses such as respiratory infections and hypothermia. Warm clothing, limited exposure to cold winds, and hot fluids have been recommended as preventive measures.
Outlook
Meteorologists predict the cold wave conditions are likely to continue for at least the next few days, with little immediate relief in sight. Residents are advised to keep track of weather updates and follow government advisories on safety and cold-weather preparedness.
Summary of Key Developments:
- Sub-zero and near-freezing temperatures across Rajasthan.
- Frost and ice observed in several districts.
- School closures and adjusted timings to protect children.
- Weather alerts and advisories issued by IMD.
The ongoing cold wave serves as a stark reminder of the season’s severity, impacting daily life, education and agriculture across the state. Citizens are urged to exercise caution and stay warm as Rajasthan continues to shiver under extreme winter conditions.