Imagine waking up to temperatures so frigid that even stepping outside feels like a daring adventure. That's exactly what residents of Des Moines and surrounding areas are facing this Friday, January 23, 2026. With wind chills plummeting to a bone-chilling 30 degrees below zero, schools across the region are taking drastic measures to keep students safe. But here's where it gets controversial: while some districts are canceling all activities, others are keeping certain events on schedule. Are they prioritizing safety or convenience? Let’s dive into the details.
Updated at 4:21 p.m. CT on January 22, 2026, the National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning, effective from midnight through Friday. Des Moines Public Schools (https://www.dmschools.org/) was quick to respond, announcing that all classes, early childhood programs, and extracurricular activities are canceled. The district’s statement reads, 'Due to the Extreme Cold Warning, classes at Des Moines Public Schools are canceled for Friday, January 23.' This decision comes as no surprise, given the forecast: a low of 5 degrees below zero, wind gusts up to 21 mph, and a wind chill that could make it feel like you’re in the Arctic.
And this is the part most people miss: the extreme cold warning isn’t just for Des Moines—it covers most of Iowa from midnight Friday until noon. So, which schools are shutting their doors? Here’s the breakdown:
- Ames Community School District: All classes and activities are canceled.
- Ankeny Community School District: Classes and before/after-school programs are off.
- Bondurant-Farrar Community Schools: Everything is canceled, including office operations.
- Dallas Center-Grimes Community School District: Classes are canceled, but evening activities remain on.
- Johnston Community School District: Classes are canceled, but KTC child care is available at select schools. Interestingly, the Showzam show choir invitational is still happening—a bold move, perhaps?
- Southeast Polk Community School District: All classes, pre-school, and evening activities are off.
- Urbandale: Classes, Adventuretime, and activities are canceled.
- Waukee Community School District: Classes and extracurriculars are canceled, but child care programs like Beyond the Bell and Little Learners Club will operate.
- West Des Moines: All classes are canceled.
If your district isn’t listed here, don’t panic! Check their social media or website for updates. But here’s a thought-provoking question: With some districts keeping certain activities on schedule, are they underestimating the risks of extreme cold? Or is this a practical approach to balancing safety and normalcy? Let us know what you think in the comments.
Meanwhile, the University of Iowa is taking a different route. All classes will move online via Zoom or Teams on Friday, though offices and services will remain open. This hybrid approach raises another question: Should more institutions adopt flexible models during severe weather? (Source: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/2026/01/22/university-iowa-online-classes-2026-winter-storm/88302981007/)
For more updates, follow Cooper Worth, the Des Moines Register’s service/trending reporter, at cworth@gannett.com or on X @CooperAWorth. Stay warm, stay safe, and let’s keep the conversation going!
