Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has canceled all classes and activities for Friday due to dangerously cold temperatures and severe wind chills. The decision, announced Thursday morning, affects the entire district as a frigid weather system moves across the region, prompting an extreme cold warning from the National Weather Service.
The closure is a rare move for the nation's fourth-largest school district and is part of a broader wave of cancellations across nearly 200 area districts. Officials cited the significant safety risks posed to students and staff during their commutes as the primary reason for the shutdown, with wind chills expected to reach as low as 40 degrees below zero.
Key Takeaways
- Chicago Public Schools and nearly 200 other districts are closed Friday due to extreme cold.
- The National Weather Service issued an extreme cold warning with wind chills predicted to reach -40°F.
- There will be no remote learning for CPS students; classes are expected to resume on Monday.
- The decision was praised by parents concerned about children's safety on their commute to school.
City Braces for Extreme Weather Conditions
The National Weather Service has issued a stern warning for Chicago and surrounding areas, including central Cook County. An extreme cold warning will be in effect from 3 a.m. until noon on Friday, highlighting the severity of the arctic blast.
Forecasters predict that temperatures will plummet overnight Thursday, reaching a low of negative nine degrees. This will be compounded by strong wind gusts of up to 30 mph, creating life-threatening wind chill values. Under these conditions, exposed skin can suffer from frostbite in a matter of minutes.
Daytime temperatures on Friday are not expected to provide much relief, with highs struggling to reach zero degrees. The persistent cold is what prompted officials to take preemptive action to ensure the safety of the city's children.
Understanding Wind Chill
Wind chill is not the actual air temperature but rather a measure of how cold it feels on exposed skin due to the combined effect of wind and cold temperatures. As wind speed increases, it draws heat away from the body faster, causing the skin temperature to drop and increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
A Rare but Necessary Closure
Chicago Public Schools rarely cancels classes for weather. The last time the district closed due to extreme cold was on January 16, 2024, when wind chills dipped to 30 degrees below zero. The decision to close again underscores the exceptional nature of the current weather event.
In a communication to families, CPS officials explained that the decision was made to prioritize the well-being of its students and staff. Unlike many suburban districts that are shifting to e-learning, CPS has confirmed there will be no remote instruction on Friday. The day will be a traditional snow day.
Impact by the Numbers
- District: Chicago Public Schools is the fourth-largest school district in the United States.
- Temperature Low: Expected to reach -9°F.
- Wind Chill: As low as -40°F.
- Cancellations: Nearly 200 school districts in the Chicago area have closed.
All school-related activities are also canceled. This includes all extracurricular programs, athletic practices, and scheduled games or events for Friday. The district has stated that it expects to resume normal operations, including classes and after-school activities, on Monday, pending any changes in the weather forecast.
Parents Express Relief and Support
The early announcement on Thursday was met with gratitude from many parents, who expressed relief that the district was prioritizing safety. For families whose children rely on public transportation or walk to school, the decision alleviates significant anxiety about the dangerous commute.
Nancy Salgado, a CPS parent, shared her appreciation for the district's proactive measure. Her 16-year-old daughter attends Lake View High School and relies on two different buses to get to and from school each day.
"I was very grateful the district decided to close schools Friday, especially for the kids who have to walk or take the bus to school," Salgado said.
She also noted that the timing of the announcement was crucial. "It helps prepare working parents who need to arrange care for children," she added, highlighting the logistical challenges that school closures can create for families. The advance notice allows parents more time to make necessary childcare arrangements.
Wider Impact on Regional Schools
The deep freeze is not limited to the public school system. Several private and parochial schools across the city and suburbs have also decided to close their doors. Many Chicago Catholic schools, including St. Ignatius College Prep and St. Clement School, announced closures for Friday.
However, the decision for Catholic schools is not centralized. A spokesperson for the Office of Catholic Schools confirmed that closure decisions are made at the individual school level. Some are closing entirely, while others are pivoting to remote learning. Parents are advised to check directly with their child's school for specific plans.
For all families in the region, the Emergency Closing Center website remains a key resource for checking the status of their specific school or district. The widespread nature of the closures reflects a regional consensus on the danger posed by the incoming weather system.