Education
Chicago Public Schools, Many Suburban Districts Cancel Friday Classes With Dangerous Cold on the Way
(WTTW / Michael Izquierdo)
With brutally cold temperatures on the way, Chicago Public Schools announced it will cancel classes for students across all grade levels Friday.
CPS cited the “dangerously frigid temperatures” expected Friday in making its decision, saying the possible wind chills of 35 degrees below zero will make it unsafe for students and staff to travel to school.
No remote learning will be held and school buildings will be closed to the public, according to CPS. In addition, all extracurricular activities including athletic practices, games and events scheduled for Friday will be canceled.
CPS said it expects classes to resume Monday and any postponed athletic competitions will be rescheduled.
Many suburban school districts across the area have also canceled in-person classes, with some opting instead for e-learning days.
Winds of 15 to 25 miles per hour will make it feel even colder Friday, with wind chills of -25 to -35 degrees in Chicago, but potentially as low as minus 40 degrees further west in Rockford and DeKalb. Temperatures won’t climb above zero until Saturday, but it will remain bitterly cold, forecasters said.
Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications and the National Weather Service have advised the public to remain indoors Friday and limit unnecessary trips outdoors.
The city is operating several warming centers, a list of which can be found here. Information on any additional weather-related issues for CPS can be found at cps.edu.
Patty Wetli contributed to this report.
