Numerous schools in the Akron-Canton area are canceling classes on Tuesday, January 20, due to an impending cold snap. The National Weather Service has issued warnings of severely low temperatures forecasted to hit a low of 3 degrees Fahrenheit on Monday night, with wind chills plunging to a biting -13 degrees. Although Tuesday is expected to be sunny with a high reaching around 14 degrees, the wind chill will maintain the frigid conditions.
In anticipation of the cold, Akron Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, as it coincidentally aligns with a scheduled professional development day for teachers and staff. The University of Akron has decided to transition to remote classes on both its main campus and the Wayne County campus for the day.
Kent State University will experience delayed classes, starting at 10 a.m.; however, some classes may occur remotely before the delays take effect. Stark State College, on the other hand, has announced closure of all in-person classes on January 20, though online classes will proceed as planned.
Several schools across Summit and Medina County are among those closed on Tuesday. A comprehensive list of closures includes institutions such as Archbishop Hoban High School, Barberton City School District, Mogadore Local School District, and many others in the city and surrounding regions.
Despite the disruption, the weather forecast indicates a warming trend on Wednesday, with temperatures potentially climbing to around 35 degrees and a 70% chance of precipitation, which may include snow. Although the current conditions are challenging, there is a promise of more temperate weather just around the corner, allowing for a potential return to normalcy in local schools by midweek.