Poland braces as extreme cold warnings lead to school closures with temperatures plummeting to -29°C.
Weather Warnings and Health Alerts
Very cold air has moved across Poland. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management issued warnings for severe frost, including second-level alerts for Mazowieckie, Lubelskie, Podlaskie, Pomorskie, and Warmińsko-Mazurskie voivodeships. In these areas, nighttime temperatures could drop to -29°C, while daytime temperatures will remain below -11°C. The warnings are in effect until Wednesday, February 4th, at 9 AM.
Schools Close After Winter Break
Due to weather conditions and low temperatures in school buildings, many schools have suspended classes. This particularly affects secondary schools where students commute from distant districts or towns. The Warsaw City Hall is compiling an official list of schools that have canceled classes. Decisions are made individually by school directors in consultation with governing bodies.
Schools Closed in Warsaw
In Warsaw, classes on Monday, February 2nd were canceled at schools including: I LO im. Bolesława Limanowskiego, LXIV LO im. Stanisława Ignacego Witkiewicza “Witkacego” on Żoliborz, XXX LO im. Jana Śniadeckiego, and XXXIV LO im. Cervantesa on Mokotów. Some schools, including XXX LO and XXXVIII LO im. Stanisława Kostki Potockiego on Wilanów, have also suspended classes on Tuesday, February 3rd.
Class Cancellations in Mazovia
It’s not just the capital responding to the extreme cold. In the Miński County, the starosta decided to cancel all classes in secondary schools on Monday and Tuesday. Classes have also been suspended at the Agricultural Center for Continuing Education in Sochaczew. School directors emphasize that the decisions are related not only to outdoor temperatures but also to problems with heating buildings and student safety.
Care and Remote Learning
Some schools are providing care for younger students, primarily from grades I-IV, during regular after-school club hours. “If the suspension lasts longer than 2 days, we will switch to remote learning,” informs XXXVIII LO im. Stanisława Kostki Potockiego in Warsaw. School administrations are urging parents and students to regularly check messages on school websites and electronic journals.
Regulations for Class Cancellations
Sławomir Broniarz from the Polish Teachers’ Union explained on TVN24 when classes can be canceled. “If the temperature in the classroom is lower than 18°C, then the director should suspend classes and inform the governing body. When outdoor temperatures are at -15°C or below for two consecutive days, the director can also suspend classes with approval. The situation is different for physical education classes. In the changing room, the temperature cannot be lower than 24°C,” he said.
