Cold Weather Alone Likely Will Not Prompt Local School Closures

A snow day may be wishful thinking, but with freezing temperatures settling in, many parents — and especially kids — are wondering if school closures could be on the horizon. While snowfall isn’t expected, icy conditions and dangerously low wind chills could still impact travel and daily routines. 

With "feels-like" temperatures potentially dropping below 0°F, many are wondering whether schools might be canceled or at least delayed in Collin County.

Expected Weather

The Fort Worth-based National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory beginning at 5 p.m. on Tuesday and lasting until midnight Wednesday. This advisory covers Collin, Denton, Dallas, Tarrant and Johnson counties.

According to the NWS, the Arctic front is moving through North and Central Texas today, bringing the potential for light freezing drizzle or rain. Icy conditions could develop as early as midday in western parts of North Texas, with temperatures dropping below freezing along the I-35 corridor by early evening. Even minimal ice accumulation may create hazardous travel conditions, particularly on bridges and overpasses.

Later today, temperatures and wind chills will plummet, reaching dangerously cold levels each night this week. The coldest conditions are expected Wednesday and Thursday mornings, with some areas experiencing wind chills near -10°F. If heading outdoors, be sure to bundle up!

What Schools Are Saying

Currently, Collin County school districts are closely monitoring the weather forecast for potential severe conditions this week and are staying in contact with local emergency management teams. 

According to Allen ISD Chief Communications Officer David Hicks a school closure will only be considered if the district is unable to operate safely and effectively. This may include transportation challenges, such as unsafe road conditions or issues affecting bus operations. 

Closures could also be necessary if school buildings cannot be adequately heated or cooled or if facilities are impacted by frozen or broken water pipes. “Otherwise, cold weather on its own does not warrant a school closure,” Hicks told Local Profile.

Where To Check If Your Local School Is Closed

Typically, as soon as a decision is made on closures, delays or early releases, districts will notify parents via email. But there are other places to stay up to date: 

• Frisco ISD
  Closure information and updates will be posted at the district's website.

• McKinney ISD
  The district's Facebook and X are the first places closure information is updated.

• Plano ISD
  Closures and updates will be posted on the Plano ISD home page and app.

• Prosper ISD
  Parents will be notified through email, phone, text notification alerts and the app.

• Celina ISD
  A notice will be posted to the district website, Facebook page and on X.

• Allen ISD
  Announcements will first be posted on the district website, and on the Facebook page. 

To learn more about how schools decide when to close visit Local Profile’s guide to school closures here.  

Preparing For The Cold

“We encourage families and staff to be prepared for cold and possibly wet weather, dress warmly and exercise caution on the roads,” Plano ISD Assistant Director of Communications Zoheb Hassanali told Local Profile. “We also advise families and staff to consult the district’s standard communications channels to receive up-to-date information.”

While getting ready for extreme temperatures, it’s important to remember the 5 p’s: protect people, protect pets, protect plants, protect pipes and practice fire safety.

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