NYC Public Schools to Close for Snow Day on Monday

Last official snow day was in March 2019, as city officials cite severe weather forecast and recent midwinter break.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 7:04pm

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New York City public schools will be closed on Monday due to an expected winter storm, marking the city's first snow day in nearly seven years. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels announced the decision, noting that remote learning would not be effective given the severe weather forecast and the fact that many schools have not had time to send devices home with students.

Why it matters

Snow days are a rare occurrence in New York City, with the last one happening in 2019. The decision to close schools entirely rather than shift to remote learning highlights the challenges of providing effective online instruction during severe weather, especially for families who may not have the resources to support it.

The details

City officials said the decision to cancel school entirely on Monday was due to the expected heavy snow and wind, as well as the fact that students had just returned from a midwinter recess. Schools Chancellor Samuels noted that many schools have not had time to send devices home with students for remote instruction. Mayor Mamdani also announced a ban on nonessential travel on city streets until noon on Monday.

  • The last official snow day in New York City's public schools was in March 2019.
  • The current winter storm is expected to hit the city on Sunday night and continue into Monday.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who announced the decision to close public schools on Monday due to the incoming winter storm.

Kamar Samuels

The schools chancellor of New York City who cited the severe weather forecast and lack of time to prepare for remote learning as reasons for the snow day.

Michael Mulgrew

The president of the United Federation of Teachers, who said the decision to have a snow day on Monday was the "right decision."

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What they’re saying

“We do not believe providing remote instruction tomorrow would be effective.”

— Kamar Samuels, Schools Chancellor (New York Times)

“Having a snow day on Monday was the 'right decision'.”

— Michael Mulgrew, President, United Federation of Teachers (New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This decision highlights the ongoing challenges of providing effective remote learning during severe weather events, especially for school districts that may not have the resources to quickly transition to online instruction. It also underscores the importance of maintaining traditional snow days, which allow families to safely navigate hazardous conditions.