Rajasthan experienced a severe cold wave in the first and second weeks of January 2026, prompting the state government to close schools in over 25 districts including Jaipur, Jalore, Barmer, Bikaner, and Sikar. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange Alert for dense fog and severe cold conditions across 23 districts of Rajasthan. Jaipur recorded minimum temperatures of 6–7°C while maximum temperatures were suppressed to approximately 19°C — classified as a 'Severe Cold Day' by the IMD. For students from pre-primary to Class 5, school holidays were extended from January 6 to January 10; for Classes 6–8, closures were in effect from January 6 to January 8. In Jaipur district specifically, schools were ordered shut for all classes up to Class 8 due to the intensifying cold and fog. Dense fog severely impacted train schedules, road visibility, and flight operations across northern India including Rajasthan. The cold wave was attributed to persistent western disturbances, clear night skies causing rapid nocturnal cooling, and strong cold winds from the north-west. The Rajasthan government directed district collectors to coordinate relief measures and ensure heating facilities at government schools. Cold waves in Rajasthan's northern and eastern districts — particularly the Shekhawati region (Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Churu) — frequently record temperatures near or below 0°C. IMD winter forecasts for FY26 suggested higher-than-normal cold wave frequency due to La Niña conditions in the Pacific.