Breaking News... Snow disrupts education in Istanbul!

Turkey has come under the influence of a cold air wave and heavy snowfall arriving from Russia and the Balkans. The General Directorate of Meteorology (MGM) and the Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) issued various warnings for Monday, January 12, 2026, alerting many provinces about adverse weather conditions.

As concerns grow regarding the status of schools, especially in major cities, the announcements from governor's offices are awaited with curiosity.

HEAVY SNOWFALL WILL BEGIN TO TAKE EFFECT RAPIDLY TOMORROW

The MGM and AKOM reported that heavy snowfall will be seen in many regions of Turkey on the morning of Monday, January 12. These expected adverse weather conditions across the country have become a significant issue, leading to questions about whether schools will be closed.

Following the New Year's holiday, students and parents have turned their eyes to the snow holiday announcements from governor's offices due to winter conditions.

The Kahramanmaraş Governor's Office has decided on a snow holiday for Monday, January 12, 2026, to prevent disruptions in education. Schools in the city have been closed for 1 day due to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.

In the statement made, the Governor's Office noted that this decision was taken for the safety of students and education, taking meteorological data into account.

ARE SCHOOLS CLOSED IN ISTANBUL?

Millions of students and parents living in Istanbul are also waiting with curiosity to see if schools will be closed on January 12. According to AKOM data, heavy snowfall is expected to begin in Istanbul in the morning hours.

However, no official holiday announcement has been made by the Istanbul Governor's Office yet. A potential announcement from the Governor's Office will serve as the final decision regarding whether there will be a holiday.

Following the New Year's holiday, students and parents are questioning the status of schools on January 12 due to winter conditions.

In addition to the holiday news from Kahramanmaraş so far, holiday announcements are expected in other provinces and in Istanbul as well.

WEATHER REPORTS ARE SOUNDING THE ALARM

According to meteorological data, snowfall will continue to be effective in various regions of Turkey on January 12.

With the rapid drop in air temperatures, local governments and governor's offices are taking precautions against other negative conditions that may occur alongside the snow.

SCHOOLS IN ISTANBUL HAVE BEEN CLOSED

Education in Istanbul has been suspended for 1 day due to adverse weather conditions and snowfall.

2-DAY SUSPENSION OF EDUCATION IN TUNCELİ

In the statement made by the Tunceli Governor's Office, it was stated that according to meteorological assessments, snowfall will increase in intensity and there is a risk of icing.

In this context, it was stated that education has been suspended for 2 days in all official and private educational institutions across the province on Monday, January 12, and Tuesday, January 13.

The statement said, "According to the latest meteorological assessments; due to the fact that snowfall will be intense and there is a danger of icing, education has been suspended for 2 (two) days in all official and private formal and non-formal education institutions (including university students by the decision of the university senate) across our province on Monday, January 12, and Tuesday, January 13. Pregnant and disabled personnel working in public institutions, and our female personnel who have chronic illnesses or children attending kindergarten and daycare centers, will be considered on administrative leave for 2 (two) days."

TRANSPORTED EDUCATION SUSPENDED IN ANKARA

Following Istanbul, the expected decision also came from the capital, Ankara. The Ankara Governor's Office announced that transported education in rural neighborhoods has been suspended for 1 day. The statement from the Governor's Office included the following:

"In line with the latest meteorological assessments, it has been decided by our Governor's Office to suspend transported education from our rural neighborhoods for one day; other than this, educational activities will continue across our province. Presented for public information."