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Local News
23 January 2025

Severe Cold Forces School Closures Across Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug

Extreme temperatures reaching -40 degrees Celsius prompt widespread cancellations for students as safety measures are implemented.

Severe winter temperatures have forced the cancellation of school classes across the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, impacting students from the first through the eighth grades. According to the local government portal, ranging temperatures of up to -40 degrees Celsius have led to widespread disruptions.

On January 23, 2023, municipalities across the region announced school closures due to the extreme cold, which has set record lows this winter. Reports indicate temperatures plummeted to -36.2 degrees Celsius at times, compounded by winds reaching 2 meters per second. This combination has made outdoor conditions hazardous for students.

The closures affect multiple towns including Surgut, Neftegorsk, Kogalym, and many others, causing first shift lessons to be suspended until conditions improve. Local authorities have advised parents to keep children indoors to prevent exposure to the severe cold.

School administrations broadcast their closure announcements on the regional government portal, detailing how extensive the cancellations are. Communities such as Urai, Lyantor, and Pyt-Yakh have joined the list of locations where classes were canceled, marking one of the most affected winters for education yet.

Young learners from grades 1 to 4 will not attend classes at schools located in various less populated locales, including cities like Khanty-Mansiysk, Belogorye, and Ustyug. Reports suggest similar cancellations have been declared for students across broader regions, including those residing in the districts of Beriozovo and Kondivskiy.

Local educational authorities indicated, "Classes for grades 1-11 are canceled due to the extreme weather conditions, ensuring the safety of all students first and foremost," thereby addressing concerns from parents and guardians alike. These measures reflect not only local policy but also widespread adherence to safety protocols viewed as necessary during such weather extremes.

Many students have turned to remote learning options as administrations implement online lessons, ensuring continuity of education even amid such drastic changes. This adaption reflects the resilience of educational frameworks to accommodate students when inclement weather disrupts traditional learning environments.

While this situation has unfolded, efforts to mitigate travel and facility issues have been reported, causing significant traffic delays as heavy snowfall churned across the region. Cities like Nizhnevartovsk and Khanty-Mansiysk experienced traffic snarls as local residents struggled to navigate freshly accumulated snow. Authorities have maintained communications concerning road safety through various channels, including digital platforms, to keep residents informed.

On the ground level, residents witnessed firsthand the challenges posed by these unyielding frost conditions; people bundled up against the chill, with local reports capturing imagery of snow-covered streets and freezing temperatures. Community leaders continue to stress the importance of staying warm and safe during this intense cold snap.

The region can expect some relief as meteorological predictions suggest improvement on January 24, with older forecasts indicating warmer temperatures will soon return, lifting the grip of winter for residents. According to regional meteorologists, "The cold snap will end on January 24," giving hope to many as they endure this difficult season.

With this announcement, families and students remain updated through local media channels, emphasizing community-wide efforts to share relevant information as situations develop. Authorities continue to monitor weather patterns closely and remain vigilant about future forecasts to mitigate any additional disruptions.

This winter season has posed unique challenges, which advocates for educational adaptation note may set precedents for how future weather events are managed. With students adapting to remote classes now, the framework laid out could potentially address similar circumstances should they arise again.

Overall, as schools across the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug suspend classes, residents navigate these trying times with reminders of the importance of safety—showing once again how weather dramatically affects daily life.