Nearly 300 schools in Poland canceled lessons on February 2 due to extreme cold, with Education Minister Barbara Nowacka appealing to directors.
Closed Schools Due to Cold
Strong frosts until 11 AM on Monday, February 2, led to the cancellation of lessons in 299 schools, according to the PAP Samorządowy Service. Spokesperson Ewelina Gorczyca of the Ministry of National Education reported that at 10 AM, 45 schools were closed in Podlaskie, 39 in Warmian-Masurian, 7 in Greater Poland, 1 in Silesian and Świętokrzyskie each, 4 in Lublin and Lubusz, and 23 in Pomeranian. All schools in Subcarpathian remained operational.
Minister Barbara Nowacka later stated that by 11 AM, over 270 schools were closed, including 175 in Mazovia.
Minister’s Appeal to Directors
Minister Nowacka requested that directors in areas where temperatures dropped below -15°C consider temporarily suspending classes or switching to remote learning due to travel requirements for students and teachers. “Dear students, dress warmly! A hat, scarf, and gloves are mandatory. Everyone, take care of yourselves!” she wrote.
Hypothermia Death Toll Rises
Police reported the 41st death from hypothermia since early November. Officers patrol streets, vacant buildings, stairwells, and potential shelter sites to assist vulnerable individuals, including those experiencing homelessness, seniors, solitary individuals, and intoxicated persons. “Low temperatures are deadly, especially for the homeless, elderly, isolated, and intoxicated. Do not be indifferent. If you see someone at risk of hypothermia, call 112. One call can save a life,” police appealed.
Weather Warnings Issued
The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management issued first-degree frost warnings for residents in parts of Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Lublin, Łódź, Lesser Poland, Mazovian, Subcarpathian, Pomeranian, Silesian, Świętokrzyskie, Warmian-Masurian, Greater Poland, and West Pomeranian voivodeships. Second-degree warnings are in effect for Lublin, Mazovian, Podlaskie, Pomeranian, and Warmian-Masurian. “At 11 AM on Monday, the perceived temperature was very low nationwide: -28°C in Kwidzyn, -6°C in Zakopane, and below -20°C in many regions,” IMGW reported.