Chicago is canceling classes Friday in all of its schools due to extreme cold: What temperatures are expected in the Windy City?
Classes are expected to resume on Monday, January 26, Chicago Public Schools said in a statement Thursday.
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has canceled classes for all students this Friday, January 23, due to extreme weather conditions.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), wind chills in the city could plunge to as low as 35 degrees below zero Fahrenheit, as many states in the U.S. face a winter storm that has triggered a series of NWS alerts.
In a statement announcing the suspension of classes and after‑school activities - including athletic events and practices - CPS said Thursday that weather conditions make it unsafe for staff and students to travel. “Please DO NOT send students to school tomorrow, as there WILL NOT be adults to receive them,” the body warned. “In addition, crossing guards and Safe Passage Workers WILL NOT be on duty.”
🚨 Due to extreme cold, all classes are cancelled for Friday, January 23, 2026. https://t.co/7Fkw7LUekw
— CPS - Chicago Public Schools (@ChiPubSchools) January 22, 2026
After carefully monitoring the forecast, it has been determined that the predicted frigid temperatures, combined with wind chills that could reach -35 degrees, will be unsafe… pic.twitter.com/uUYXY05sZW
Winter storm across the United States
The country is dealing with a severe cold‑weather pattern driven by a weakened polar vortex, allowing Arctic air to spill across much of the nation. More than half the country is facing temperatures far below seasonal norms, with dangerous wind chills, heavy snow, and ice storms stretching from the Southwest to the East Coast.
Americans face disrupted travel, strained power grids, and safety risks - particularly in regions unaccustomed to prolonged extreme cold. Meteorologists warn the event could last several days.
Authorities are urging people to stay warm by avoiding unnecessary travel, wearing several layers of loose, warm clothing, and keeping hands, head, ears, and feet dry. The NWS also advises Americans to prepare alternative heating sources in case of power outages, keep non‑perishable food on hand, postpone travel plans, and bring pets indoors.
All Chicago Park District buildings and Chicago Public Library branches will be open and operational on Friday as warming options. The city has also opened several dedicated warming centers available to the public.
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