Weather Watch
During winter, a team of district employees monitors the weather conditions along with meteorologists and the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Streets and Roads Division. When temperatures are predicted to reach extreme lows, FCPS considers a combination of factors -- including ambient temperature, wind chill, precipitation, road conditions, sidewalk conditions, and weather forecasts – in deciding whether to use an NTI day, cancel school, or delay the start of school. The district has not set a specific temperature, but would start considering a change to the school schedule if temperatures were forecast to be below 0 degrees and/or a wind chill advisory has been issued. The National Weather Service issues a wind chill advisory when wind chills of -10 to -24F are expected and a wind chill warning when wind chills of -25F or lower are expected.
Student safety is the district’s top priority, and we try to ensure that school buildings are a warm, safe, and ideal place for students to be when the weather is extremely cold. FCPS relies on families to make sure children are dressed appropriately. Ideally, students need winter hats, gloves, heavy coats, and boots. Layering thin pieces of dry clothing is best in extremely low temperatures. If you need help with winter clothing, please ask at your child's school.
Reminder
Weather and road conditions vary throughout Lexington. One end of the county might be clear while other areas of town are dangerous. With student safety as the guiding priority, FCPS makes decisions based on what's best for the whole community. The district also respects the right of each family to make different choices based on what they feel is best for their children's safety.