PENNSYLVANIA — Schools throughout Pennsylvania are adjusting schedules for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, as dangerously low temperatures and below-zero wind chills are expected to sweep across much of the state. Officials are advising families to check local announcements and exercise caution during morning travel.
In western Pennsylvania, where a cold weather advisory is in effect and wind chills could feel well below zero, many districts are issuing delays, closures, or remote learning days for Tuesday.
One of the largest districts, Pittsburgh Public Schools, has announced a modified schedule in response to the forecast. Most students will participate in synchronous remote learning, except students in grades 9–12 who are scheduled to attend in person for a half-day to complete final exams.
Across the region, individual districts are already posting delays and changes that may include two-hour late starts, remote instruction, or closures depending on conditions in their area. Examples from the broader statewide listings include:
- Daniel Boone Area School District (Berks County) — Opening 2 hours late Tuesday.
- Exeter Township School District (Berks County) — Opening 2 hours late Tuesday.
- St. Catharine of Siena (Mt. Penn) — Opening 2 hours late Tuesday.
- Upper Darby School District (Delaware County) — Opening 2 hours late Tuesday.
- William Penn School District (Delaware County) — Opening 2 hours late Tuesday.
Additional districts — especially in central and northern parts of the state — may also announce two-hour delays or other safety-related schedule changes as forecasts continue to evolve and conditions are assessed early Tuesday. Families are encouraged to monitor district websites and local media for the most up-to-date information and weather advisories.
Safety officials stress that the extreme cold — including dangerously low wind chills during morning hours — is the primary concern driving these decisions, as it can make waiting at bus stops and early-morning travel hazardous for students and staff.
