Central Ohio Schools Cancel Friday Classes as Arctic Cold Threatens Record Low Temperatures
Updated (4 articles)
Mass school closures announced for Friday, Jan. 29 Columbus City Schools, Whitehall City Schools, Groveport‑Madison Schools, Lancaster City Schools, Canal Winchester Local Schools, Pickerington Local Schools, Delaware City Schools, Olentangy Local Schools, Worthington City Schools, Hilliard City Schools, Dublin City Schools, and Westerville City Schools all confirmed they will not hold classes on Friday [1]. The decision follows a series of closures on Jan. 26‑27 and Jan. 28 that affected the same districts and several others, including Bexley, Gahanna‑Jefferson, and Marysville [2][3][4]. Officials urged parents to verify any last‑minute changes via the 10TV “Is school closed tomorrow?” page, which is continuously updated [1].
Arctic air mass forces wind chills at or below zero Morning lows on Friday are expected near 0 °F with afternoon highs only in the low‑teens, while wind chill values will remain at or below zero all day [1]. Forecast models project Saturday could tie the Jan. 31 record low of –6 °F, with wind chills potentially dropping to –20 °F [1]. The deep freeze is projected to persist through the week, keeping subzero wind chills in effect through Sunday [2][3][4].
Snowfall totals range from eight to more than sixteen inches The winter storm that arrived over the weekend deposited 8‑16 inches of snow across central Ohio, with some locations reporting over 16 inches, the season’s largest accumulation and the fifth‑largest on record for Columbus [4][1]. Snow depths of a foot or more remain on the ground, complicating travel and school‑bus routes [2][3]. Cleanup efforts continue as districts assess road conditions before deciding on additional closures [3].
10TV issues daily Weather Impact Alerts and provides real‑time tools A Weather Impact Alert has been posted for each morning from Friday through Sunday, warning of dangerous wind chills and urging residents to limit outdoor exposure [2]. The station’s interactive radar, watches & warnings, 10‑day forecast, and mobile app deliver up‑to‑the‑minute updates, while the free 10TV+ streaming service is available on major platforms [1][4]. Parents can consult the online closures list for the most current district status [1].
Sources
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1.
WBNS: Central Ohio Schools Shut Down Friday Amid Arctic Cold: Details Friday’s extensive school closures, subzero wind chills, and a potential record low on Jan. 31, plus 10TV weather resources .
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2.
WBNS: Central Ohio School Districts Close Wednesday Amid Deep Freeze: Reports Wednesday closures for dozens of districts, 8‑16 inches of snow, and a week‑long sub‑20 °F wind‑chill forecast .
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3.
WBNS: Central Ohio School Districts Close Tuesday Amid Heavy Snow and Arctic Cold: Describes Tuesday closures, 8‑16 inches of snowfall, and wind chills projected at –20 °F, with alerts through the week .
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4.
WBNS: Central Ohio schools close Monday as historic snowstorm brings extreme cold: Highlights the weekend’s 16‑plus‑inch snowfall, subzero temperatures through the week, and the Weather Impact Alert covering the seven‑day period .
Timeline
Jan 24‑25, 2026 – A major winter storm sweeps central Ohio, dumping over 16 inches of snow in parts of the region, making it the season’s biggest storm and the fifth‑largest on record for Columbus, which prompts districts to evaluate closures. [4]
Jan 26, 2026 – Central Ohio school districts—including Bexley, Dublin, and Olentangy—announce Monday closures or delayed openings as snow accumulations and subzero temperatures with wind chills of –10°F to –20°F threaten student safety. [4]
Jan 27, 2026 – Multiple districts close schools Tuesday, reporting 8‑16+ inches of snow and forecasting wind chills of –20°F; the 10TV Weather Impact Alert warns of dangerous subzero conditions persisting through the week. [3]
Jan 27, 2026 – By Tuesday evening, additional districts (e.g., Columbus City, Delaware City, Westerville) confirm Wednesday closures, citing continued snowfall of 8‑16+ inches and a forecast of temperatures below 20°F with single‑digit negatives and severe wind chills; parents are urged to check for last‑minute updates. [2]
Jan 29, 2026 – Central Ohio schools cancel Friday classes across 13 districts as arctic air drives morning lows near 0°F and afternoon highs only in the low‑teens, with wind chills staying at or below 0°F all day; forecasts warn Saturday may tie the Jan. 31 record low of –6°F, a temperature first recorded in 2004. [1]
Jan 31, 2026 (forecast) – Saturday is expected to tie the historic –6°F record low for January 31, while wind chills could plunge to –20°F, maintaining hazardous conditions. [1]
Feb 1, 2026 (forecast) – Sunday ends subzero mornings as temperatures rise to the upper teens, beginning a warming trend for the following week. [1]
Feb 2026 (mid‑week forecast) – Light snow showers may appear mid‑week, though significant accumulation is not expected, as highs climb into the 20s. [1]