La Laguna, Durango is grappling with severe cold conditions as temperatures plunge below zero degrees Celsius. On January 22, 2025, the Subsecretaría de Educación announced the transition to online classes for most educational institutions, aiming to protect students and teachers from the harsh winter weather.
According to the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN), the region is experiencing the impacts of cold front 24 coupled with Arctic air masses, resulting in frigid temperatures across much of the country. For La Laguna, the forecast indicates a dismal minimum temperature of -2 degrees during the morning and only rising to a maximum of 17 degrees later in the day. Heavy winds from the subtropical jet stream are also expected, which could exacerbate the feelings of chill.
Due to the extreme cold, attendance has dropped significantly, with the subsecretary reporting as much as 75% absenteeism, especially among preschool children; many parents are understandably keeping their little ones home. To address these alarming figures, Ulises Adame, the subsecretary of Education for La Laguna, confirmed plans to conduct classes online instead of in-person. "Se tiene previsto que el día de mañana (miércoles) sea un día muy frío, por lo que se tomó la decisión de que todas las instituciones que así lo soliciten se irán a clases en línea para evitar riesgos en la salud de niños y maestros," stated Adame.
This shift to digital classrooms is temporary, applying strictly to January 22, and any adjustments will depend on changing weather conditions. Parents have been advised to note the online schedule as classes will follow normal hours—starting at 8:00 AM for primary schools and 7:00 AM for secondary education.
While most urban schools are adopting online methodologies due to health risks, around 20% of institutions have chosen to keep their doors open for face-to-face classes. Many of these are rural schools where limitations on technology access make online learning less viable. Adame acknowledged the necessity of this decision, explaining, "Algunas escuelas nos solicitaron que pudieran tener sus clases en línea, les dijimos que sí, solo que se organicen porque hay papás que mandan a sus hijos de todos modos."
This plan, aimed at prioritizing student wellness and education continuity amid the severe weather, has sparked discussions among parents and educators alike. Safety is the primary concern, and the flexible approach allows families to choose based on their circumstances.
Those continuing with online classes are encouraged to create conducive environments for learning. Tips include establishing designated study spaces, organizing time efficiently, logging on to virtual classrooms prior to scheduled lessons, participating actively, and minimizing distractions.
The coming days predict mixed weather conditions. Although January 22 is expected to be the coldest day, with temperatures plummeting to -2 degrees Celsius at dawn, warming trends may follow. Predictions show the days after will still be brisk, with highs around 17 degrees, sharply declining during the nights.
To wrap up, local officials continue to monitor climatic changes, adjusting strategies as necessary to maintain educational standards without compromising the health and safety of everyone involved. The situation reflects not just the resilience of the La Laguna community but also its adaptability to nature's whims. For now, staying warm and aware should be the priority for all residents of this snowy domain.