LOUISIANA — Dangerous winter conditions from a strong cold front and storm system have led to extensive school closures and schedule changes across Louisiana for Monday, January 26, 2026. Officials cited freezing temperatures, icy roads and safety concerns as the primary reasons for shutting down in-person learning and related activities.
In southeast Louisiana, major districts announced closures for Monday. NOLA Public Schools confirmed all schools and the district office will be closed due to expected below-freezing temperatures and the risk of ice on roads and sidewalks. Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New Orleans also announced closures, and districts in Jefferson Parish, St. Tammany Parish, St. Bernard Parish, St. Charles Parish and St. John the Baptist Parish have similarly canceled classes and district operations.
Across the Baton Rouge area and surrounding parishes, multiple school systems are adjusting operations. Ascension Parish Public Schools said they will close all campuses on Monday.
In East Baton Rouge Parish, public schools will not hold in-person instruction, with teachers providing remote assignments for students to complete at home. Several private and charter schools in the region will either close or shift to remote or asynchronous learning for the day.
In southwest Louisiana, districts are also opting to close. Calcasieu Parish schools and facilities plan to shut down Monday, with officials noting concerns about black ice on roadways and dangerously low wind chill values in the morning hours.
Smaller districts are joining the closures as well. Zachary Community School District announced that all schools and offices will be closed and all after-school activities canceled due to the forecasted winter weather.
School leaders stressed that safety remains the top priority as communities cope with the severe cold and potential travel hazards. Families have been advised to monitor local school communication channels for updates in case conditions change later in the week.
