Columbus-Area Schools Closed Thursday Due to Extreme Cold

A foot of snow and bitter temperatures have kept many central Ohio schools shuttered this week.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:39am

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Many schools in the Columbus, Ohio area have announced they will be closed on Thursday, January 29, 2026 due to extreme cold temperatures expected to reach negative double-digits. This follows a major snowstorm that dropped a foot of snow in the region over the weekend, leading to several days of school closures earlier this week.

Why it matters

Extreme winter weather can pose serious safety risks for students, teachers, and staff, especially when temperatures plummet to dangerous levels. School districts must balance educational needs with protecting the wellbeing of their communities during severe cold snaps.

The details

The National Weather Service is forecasting lows in central Ohio to reach well below zero on Thursday, continuing a stretch of bitter cold that has kept the heavy snowfall from earlier in the week on the ground. Many school districts have decided to err on the side of caution and cancel classes for the day to avoid exposing students and staff to the dangerously cold conditions.

  • A foot of snow fell in central Ohio on Sunday, January 26, 2026.
  • Extreme cold temperatures have persisted in the region since the snowstorm.

The players

Storm Team 4

The weather forecasting team at NBC4 in Columbus, Ohio.

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What’s next

School districts will monitor the weather conditions and make decisions about Friday's schedule as the week progresses.

The takeaway

When extreme winter weather strikes, the safety of students and staff must be the top priority for school administrators, even if it means canceling classes for multiple days.