Puebla, Mexico - Due to the arrival of Cold Front Number 24, the state government of Puebla has announced the suspension of classes across most of the state as 2025 began with unusually low temperatures. The decision, made public late Tuesday night, January 21, mandates no face-to-face classes for students, particularly affecting regions such as the Sierra Norte, Sierra Negra, Sierra Nororiental, Valle de Serdán, Angelópolis, and the Atlixco region.
The upcoming cold front is expected to bring temperatures ranging from four degrees Celsius to as low as minus one degree Celsius across at least 27 municipalities, with forecasts also indicating frost conditions (as noted by local authorities). According to the state's Civil Protection agency, Zacapoaxtla and Nauzontla are anticipated to feel the brunt of the cold, with expected lows reaching minus one degree.
“Se instruye a las y los estudiantes y docentes a realizar actividades académicas a distancia, utilizando las herramientas tecnológicas disponibles,” read the Twitter statement from the Gobierno de Puebla. The communication stressed the importance of maintaining academic engagement through distance learning methods, echoing practices previously adopted during the pandemic.
Particularly hard-hit regions encompass several municipalities within the Angelópolis area—including Puebla capital, San Andrés Cholula, and Cuautlancingo—among others. Here, educators and students have been advised to utilize available technological tools to continue their studies from home.
Despite recent mild conditions, the rapid onset of chilly weather has caught residents off guard. Areas like Honey have already reported freezing temperatures of zero degrees Celsius, prompting local authorities to step up their preparedness measures. Various municipalities registered even frosty conditions, with reports indicating temperatures as low as minus one degree Celsius manifesting as localized frost.
The coordination of state agencies has translated the primary concerns around students’ health and safety. Recommendations have been issued for families to adequately protect against the cold and avoid sudden temperature changes. The municipality's advisement highlighted the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
Students are facing not just the challenge of learning remotely but also potential health risks due to harsh weather conditions. “The favorable weather of the last weeks has turned rapidly, and this cold front can bring more than just a drop in temperatures,” advised the Puebla State Secretary of Education.
Winter advisories indicate maintaining vigilance against possible cold-related health hazards, including staying warm and avoiding the use of unventilated heating sources. Residents have also been warned to create secure environments for pets, ensuring they are kept warm and away from the bitter cold.
At home, families are encouraged to keep abreast of updates issued by Civil Protection about weather forecasts and school policies. The mayor of Puebla and local officials have emphasized community collaboration, reinforcing the need for families to care for each other during this extreme weather event.
Despite the current conditions demanding the closure of educational establishments for the day, the state government assures students and parents to stay tuned for updates on the return of regular classes. The official communication expressed optimism for returning to normalcy once the cold spell subsides.
The expected duration of temperatures reflects uncertain conditions, which may necessitate reassessment of the school's schedule beyond January 22. For now, educational institutions are prioritizing student welfare and safety, taking these preventative measures wholeheartedly.
This abrupt climate shift – marked by heavy rain along with intense cold – is not isolated to Puebla alone; neighboring regions, like Veracruz and Oaxaca, are bracing themselves for similar weather conditions. The communities are banding together, demonstrating resilience as they adapt to the chill and work to keep the education running smoothly, albeit from home.
All stakeholders are urged to monitor the situation closely, as the potential for adverse weather could lead to additional disruptions. Local education officials caution against relying solely on past patterns for determining how things might change, advocating for constant vigilance amid unexpected climatic events.