Extreme Weather, School Closures, and Lost Learning Time

Click on the map for articles about schools that have closed due to extreme weather. Note that this page is best viewed on a desktop rather than a mobile device.

What is included in this map?

This map shows school closures (cancellations, early releases, or delays) from 2021 to 2024 caused by extreme heat, extreme cold, flooding, wildfire, severe weather, or hurricanes that are reported on by news agencies or district communication channels.

What are the limitations of this map?

The data provides a partial view of school closures across the country since 2021.  Not every closure has been or will be reflected in this database.

Have question or information on a closure?

This map will be updated throughout the 2024-2025 school year. If you have information to share about a school closure near you, please fill out this form.



 In the News

October 2022

August 2023

UndauntedK12 and the Federation of American Scientists spearheaded a collaboration of 23 organizations from across 12 states that called on the US Department of Education to help schools prepare for and respond to extreme heat. Recommendations included streamlining funding, enhancing research and data, and integrating heat resilience throughout education policies.

A decade ago, school districts canceled schools for heat an average of three or four days per year.… That figure has about doubled, to six or seven days annually.
— Paul Chinowsky, Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Colorado

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