Extreme Cold Threatens School Attendance in Nuevo Laredo

NUEVO LAREDO, Mexico — A severe winter storm is expected to disrupt school attendance in Nuevo Laredo next week, with temperatures forecasted to drop as low as -3 degrees Celsius. The extreme cold has raised concerns among parents and educators, potentially leading to empty classrooms and official class suspensions.

The National Meteorological Service warned that the upcoming storm will bring frigid conditions, particularly on Monday and Tuesday. These forecasts have sparked alarm in the local school community, as similar weather events in the past have resulted in drastically low attendance rates. During the most recent cold snap, preschools reported only 5% attendance, while elementary and secondary schools saw 20% and 35% attendance, respectively, according to César Bolaños Hernández, head of the Regional Center for Educational Development (Crede) in Nuevo Laredo.

“Attendance was minimal, reflecting parents’ concerns about these adverse weather conditions,” Bolaños Hernández said. The Tamaulipas Secretary of Education has reminded parents that they have the final say when temperatures drop below 5 degrees Celsius. However, in extreme cases where temperatures fall below freezing, official class suspensions may be enacted to ensure student safety.

Lucía Aimé Castillo Pastor, head of the Tamaulipas Secretary of Education, emphasized that while the weather poses a challenge, completing the required 185 school days remains a priority. “If the predictions for the upcoming winter storm hold true, classrooms may remain closed, further delaying the regular return to classes,” she said.

In contrast, schools in Reynosa, another city in Tamaulipas, have seen a rebound in attendance as temperatures improved. Alicia Piñaña Navarro, head of the local Crede office, reported that 90-92% of students returned to basic education schools, including preschools, elementary schools, and secondary schools. “We are pleased to see the student population returning to classrooms after nearly 100% absenteeism during the coldest days last week,” Piñaña Navarro said.

School start times for morning sessions will be adjusted based on the discretion of school directors, taking into account the ongoing winter season. “Delays of 15 minutes to half an hour are possible, depending on the prevailing weather conditions,” Piñaña Navarro added. No official written notifications regarding class suspensions have been issued by higher authorities at this time.