Several school districts across the Mid-Atlantic and parts of the Northeast have announced delayed openings for Monday, December 15, after a weekend winter storm was followed by a sharp drop in temperatures, creating hazardous conditions for students, staff, and commuters.
Education officials in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania said the decision was driven by a combination of lingering snow, icy roadways, and dangerously cold wind chills expected during the early morning hours. While snowfall amounts varied by location, rapidly falling temperatures overnight have raised concerns that slush and untreated surfaces could refreeze, making travel unsafe.
In the Baltimore region, school systems opted for delayed starts as temperatures dipped into the teens and low 20s. Transportation departments warned that secondary roads, sidewalks, and bus stops could become slick as leftover moisture freezes. With wind chills expected to make conditions feel even colder, administrators cited student safety as the primary factor behind the decision.
Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland announced a two-hour delayed opening under its Code Yellow status. District officials noted that uneven snowfall across the county, combined with a sudden temperature drop late Sunday, increased the risk of icy patches in neighborhoods and less-traveled areas. While major roads were largely passable, concerns remained about side streets and pedestrian routes. The district added that some childcare programs may still operate, though families were encouraged to confirm details with individual providers.
Elsewhere across the broader Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region, multiple school districts reported similar delays. The National Weather Service warned that wind chill values on Monday morning could range from near zero in lower elevations to well below zero in higher terrain, conditions that can lead to frostbite or hypothermia with prolonged exposure. Road crews continued treating highways and local roads, but officials urged drivers to allow extra travel time and proceed with caution.
The impact of the cold snap extended farther north as well. School systems in Philadelphia announced late openings, citing snow-covered streets and bitter cold conditions similar to those affecting the Mid-Atlantic. Administrators said the delay would give road crews additional time to improve travel safety before students and staff arrive.
Families are advised to monitor official school district communications and local news outlets for updates, as conditions may vary by neighborhood. Officials also reminded parents and students to dress appropriately for extreme cold and to use caution during the Monday morning commute.
