Bitter Cold Forces School Delays Across Miami Valley

MIAMI VALLEY, Ohio — Dozens of school districts in the Miami Valley are experiencing delays today due to dangerously cold temperatures and severe wind chills. The hazardous weather conditions prompted officials to adjust the school schedules for February 18, 2025, affecting more than 50 local districts.

Among the districts facing a two-hour delay are Valley View Local Schools and Brookville City Schools in Montgomery County. Similar delays were reported at Tecumseh Local Schools and Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center in Clark County, as well as Troy and Piqua City Schools in Miami County. In addition, Greenville City Schools in Darke County, Sidney City Schools in Shelby County, Bellefontaine City Schools in Logan County, and Celina City Schools in Mercer County are also operating on a delayed schedule.

Weather forecasts indicate that wind chills could reach extreme lows, with air temperatures plummeting into the -10s, -20s, and even -30s throughout some regions. Conditions are expected to remain hazardous through Wednesday, prompting school officials to take precautions to ensure student safety.

“We want to make sure our students are safe during these extreme weather conditions,” said Superintendent John Smith of Valley View Local Schools. “Delaying school is one way we can protect them from the cold.”

In more remote areas around north-central Montana, actual air temperatures are predicted to drop to alarming levels, leading to wind chill factors that could feel as low as -50 degrees. This alarming forecast contributed to several school closures, including Heart Butte School and Valier Public Schools, which will not hold after-school activities.

Other Montana districts adjusting schedules include Browning Public Schools with a one-hour delay, Harlem Public Schools beginning at 10 a.m., and Havre Public Schools running buses two hours later than usual. Winifred Public Schools has opted for remote learning, eliminating in-person classes altogether.

Parents and guardians are urged to prepare their children for the harsh weather by ensuring they wear multiple layers and protect their skin, minimizing exposure to the severe cold. Frostbite can set in as quickly as five minutes with wind chills this extreme.

Officials remind the community to stay updated about any further delays or closures by checking local news or school websites. As weather conditions can change rapidly, information will be updated continuously in response to forecasts.