PENNSYLVANIA — Schools across Pennsylvania have announced a range of closures, delays and remote learning plans for Thursday, January 29, 2026, as the state continues to deal with the aftermath of a significant winter storm and persistent extreme cold.
In Western Pennsylvania, numerous districts are extending adjustments to their schedules for a fourth consecutive day. Many school buildings will remain closed, open late with delays, or shift to remote instruction as officials cite ongoing hazardous conditions including lingering snow and dangerously cold wind chills. Forecasters have noted wind chill values that could reach 15 degrees below zero Thursday morning, contributing to safety concerns for students and staff.
In Butler County, several districts have already confirmed plans for Thursday:
- Butler Area School District will use remote learning Thursday and is scheduled for a snow day Friday.
- Karns City Area, Mars Area, Moniteau and Seneca Valley are also holding remote instruction Thursday (with some extending through Friday).
- Knoch Area schools are remote only on Thursday, while Slippery Rock Area will use a flexible instruction day on Thursday.
In Central Pennsylvania, the State College Area School District has announced a two-hour delay for Thursday (as well as Friday) due to a continuing cold weather advisory in Centre County. Overnight and early morning temperatures are expected to hover near or below zero, with wind chill values making travel and outdoor exposure risky.
In Clarion and surrounding counties, some schools are also adjusting traditional schedules: His Kids Christian Schooland St. Luke Lutheran School are closed for the day, with Karns City Area and Moniteau School Districts opting for remote instruction Thursday and Friday.
Across the Philadelphia region, while specific Thursday closures and delays have not been listed in full as of the latest updates, many districts saw closures and virtual learning days earlier in the week following the weekend storm that dumped nearly a foot of snow on parts of the region. Bitter cold and cleanup operations continue to affect normal schedules.
State and local education officials continue to monitor conditions and will update families with any further changes to schedules. Decisions reflect concerns over travel safety, extreme cold impacts on students — especially those who walk or wait for buses — and the ongoing efforts to clear roadways and school grounds.
