stopped by Central Park to greet @NYCParks
workers near the Harlem Meer which is frozen over this morning. Mamdani told us he ultimately made the call to close schools because of safety concerns — icy conditions will make travel treacherous for the day and tomorrow Credit – @GloriaPazmino
New York City Public Schools will shift to remote learning on Monday, January 26, 2026, after officials ordered buildings closed as a major winter storm threatened hazardous travel across the five boroughs.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that New York City public school buildings will be closed Monday, with instruction continuing online for students who were scheduled to attend. The decision came as snow began affecting the city and forecasts pointed to difficult road, sidewalk and transit conditions.
The move affects families across the nation’s largest school system and turns what might once have been a traditional snow day into a remote learning day. City officials said the goal is to keep students and staff off unsafe roads while preserving scheduled instruction.
Due to inclement weather, @NYCSchools buildings are CLOSED on Monday, January 26.
— NYC Public Schools (@NYCSchools) January 25, 2026
School will be in session remotely only for students scheduled to attend school on this day.
For more information, visit https://t.co/wSuxZ4TLdg. pic.twitter.com/v7QFWG13Ff
What changes for Monday
All public school buildings will remain closed for in-person instruction. Students who were expected to be in class will instead follow remote learning directions from their schools and teachers.
- NYC public school buildings will be closed on Monday, January 26.
- Students scheduled to attend school will learn remotely.
- No in-person classes will take place.
- After-school programs, adult education and school-based activities are canceled.
- Some middle and high school students already scheduled for a professional learning day will still have the day off.
Why the city moved classes online
City Hall said the decision was made before conditions became more dangerous, giving schools time to prepare families, staff and students for a quick shift. Remote learning plans are intended to reduce travel while keeping the school day on track where it applies.
For Mamdani, who took office earlier this month, the storm is one of the first major weather-related tests of his administration. The choice to close buildings but continue classes online shows how winter storm responses have changed since the pandemic expanded remote learning systems.
Storm risks go beyond snowfall totals
Forecasts called for heavy snow in parts of New York City, but the biggest concern is not only how much falls. Snow, sleet and freezing rain can create slick roads and icy sidewalks even when totals vary by neighborhood.
Periods of heavier snow may also reduce visibility and slow traffic quickly. That matters in a city where students, school employees and caregivers often depend on buses, subway connections, walking routes and short car trips during the morning rush.
What families should check
Families should watch for direct messages from their schools about login details, class schedules and attendance expectations. Any student already assigned a non-instructional day should follow the schedule previously shared by their school.
The cold air expected after the storm could allow snow and ice to refreeze, which may keep travel difficult even after the heaviest precipitation ends.
For more Northeast weather disruption context, see this related report on NYC schools closing as a nor’easter threatens heavy snow.
Families looking for official guidance on remote learning, school programs and cancellations can check New York City’s announcement on the school closure and remote instruction plan.
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