Dozens of school districts across Northeast Ohio have canceled classes for Friday, January 23, 2026, as a severe cold front brings dangerously low temperatures and harsh wind chills to the region. The decision affects tens of thousands of students and staff, prioritizing safety in the face of a significant weather event.
The National Weather Service issued a cold weather advisory for the entire area, forecasting conditions that could pose a risk to children waiting for school buses or walking to school. This widespread closure highlights the coordinated response of educational authorities to public safety warnings.
Key Takeaways
- Dozens of public and private schools in Northeast Ohio are closed on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026.
- The National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory due to dangerously low wind chills.
- Wind chills are expected to drop as low as 15 degrees below zero.
- Major districts including Akron, Parma, Lorain, and Lakewood have canceled all classes and activities.
Dangerous Conditions Prompt Widespread Closures
The primary driver for the mass cancellations is a forecast predicting a sharp drop in temperatures combined with strong winds. According to the National Weather Service, early morning temperatures on Friday are expected to hover around 12 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, the more significant threat comes from the wind chill factor. Steady winds of approximately 13 mph, with gusts reaching over 30 mph, will make the air feel much colder. Meteorologists warn that these conditions can lead to wind chills plummeting to as low as -15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Weather at a Glance
Actual Temperature: Around 12°F at 6 a.m. Friday
Wind Speed: 13 mph with gusts over 30 mph
Wind Chill: As low as -15°F
The official cold weather advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Saturday. Exposure to such extreme cold can lead to frostbite on exposed skin in a short amount of time, making the morning commute particularly hazardous for students.
Major School Districts Affected
The closures span multiple counties and affect a wide range of educational institutions, from large city districts to smaller private and charter schools. This proactive measure ensures uniformity in safety protocols across the region.
Among the larger districts that have announced closures are Akron Public Schools, Parma City Schools, Lorain City Schools, and Lakewood City Schools. These districts serve a significant portion of the region's student population. Many, like Akron Public Schools, have also canceled all afterschool activities to prevent any travel during the coldest parts of the day.
Why Wind Chill Matters
Wind chill is not the actual temperature but rather how cold it feels on exposed skin due to the combination of air temperature and wind speed. The wind strips away the thin layer of warm air above your skin. The stronger the wind, the more heat is lost from the body, and the colder it feels. At a wind chill of -15°F, frostbite can occur in as little as 30 minutes.
A Comprehensive List of Closures
The decision to close was made by numerous school boards and administrators on Thursday evening to provide parents with adequate time to make alternative arrangements. The list of closed institutions is extensive and includes:
- City School Districts: Avon, Avon Lake, Bay Village, Bedford, Brooklyn, East Cleveland, Elyria, Fairview Park, Garfield Heights, Maple Heights, North Olmsted, North Royalton, Parma, Rocky River, Warrensville Heights.
- Parochial and Private Schools: Benedictine High School, Elyria Catholic High School, Holy Name High School, Magnificat High School, Padua Franciscan High School, St. Edward High School, St. Ignatius of Antioch, St. Joseph Academy.
- Charter and Other Schools: Constellation Schools, Horizon Science Academies, Pinnacle Academy, Summit Academy, and numerous others across the area.
This coordinated shutdown reflects a region-wide consensus on the severity of the weather forecast and a shared commitment to student safety.
Community Impact and Safety Recommendations
While the school closures are a necessary precaution, they have a ripple effect on families throughout Northeast Ohio. Parents have had to quickly adjust schedules, arrange for childcare, or work from home to supervise their children.
Local authorities are advising all residents, not just students, to take precautions during this period of extreme cold. Recommendations include:
- Limit Time Outdoors: Keep outdoor activities brief. If you must go outside, wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.
- Protect Exposed Skin: Wear a hat, a scarf or knit mask to cover your face and mouth, and mittens, which are warmer than gloves.
- Stay Dry: Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
- Check on Others: The elderly, young children, and those with chronic health conditions are more vulnerable to extreme cold. Check in on neighbors and family members.
The arctic blast is part of a larger weather pattern affecting the region. Forecasters are also monitoring the potential for a significant winter storm to follow the cold snap over the weekend, which could bring heavy snowfall to Northeast Ohio. Residents are encouraged to stay updated on the latest weather reports as conditions evolve.