02.01.2026 13:37
After consecutive warnings from the Meteorology and AKOM, snowfall continues intensely in Istanbul, which entered the new year with snow. Schools in the districts of Karabük, Diyarbakır, Bingöl, Tunceli, Mardin, Bartın, Ağrı, Adıyaman, Batman, Siirt, Kahramanmaraş, Şırnak, Gümüşhane, Elazığ, Hakkari, Malatya, Kars, Gaziantep, Çorum, Düzce, Bolu, Amasya, Muş, Yozgat, Sivas, Tokat, Zonguldak, and Kocaeli's Kandıra district have been canceled tomorrow due to snowfall and icing.
Turkey welcomed 2026 with snowfall. Following consecutive warnings from the Meteorology and AKOM, snowfall was effective across the country. Especially in the Eastern provinces, roads were closed due to snowfall, and snow captivity began. The news of the snow holiday that students eagerly awaited came in succession from the governors of Kahramanmaraş, Şırnak, Gümüşhane, Elazığ, Hakkari, Malatya, Kars, Gaziantep, Çorum, Düzce, Bolu, Amasya, Muş, Yozgat, Sivas, Tokat, and Zonguldak.
WARNING OF ICING AND FROST UNTIL TOMORROW MORNING IN ISTANBUL According to a statement from AKOM, it is predicted that the snowfall will be intermittently strong in the European side of Istanbul and generally in the Anatolian side from the afternoon, with air temperatures expected to range between -1 and 3 degrees. It is anticipated that the snowfall will lose its effect after 6:00 PM, but icing and frost events may continue to be effective until tomorrow morning.
In Istanbul, it is expected that the temperature will be partly cloudy with a low of 1 and a high of 8 degrees tomorrow. It is reported that there will be no precipitation and the air temperature will range between 7-16 degrees over the weekend, with a southwesterly storm expected, and partly cloudy weather on Monday. Rain is expected on Tuesday, and heavy downpours on Wednesday.
Istanbul Taksim BE CAREFUL IN THESE DISTRICTS OF THE MEGACITY According to expert evaluations, it is expected that the precipitation masses coming from the Black Sea will be effective in the northern and eastern line of Istanbul between 1:00 PM and 4:45 PM. The Istanbul Governorship stated that snowfall could be seen in the city from the evening hours, warning to be cautious against disruptions in transportation, icing, and frost events.
Among the districts highlighted in the warnings are Beykoz, Sarıyer, Şile, Ümraniye, Çekmeköy, Üsküdar, Beşiktaş, Ataşehir, Sancaktepe, Sultanbeyli, Eyüpsultan, Şişli, and the surroundings of Kağıthane. It was noted that especially in areas close to the Black Sea, snow could suddenly intensify, and due to temperature differences within the city, precipitation could be felt more intensely in some areas.
After the warnings, many districts of the megacity were covered by snowfall.
The following statements were made in a statement from the Istanbul Governorship:
"It is expected that the intensity of the snowfall will increase towards the morning and will be intermittently strong until noon. The snowfall is predicted to be effective enough to create a cover on the ground, especially in the high and northern parts of Şile, Beykoz, Ümraniye, Çekmeköy, Sultanbeyli, Sancaktepe, Pendik districts, the north of Sarıyer, and around Arnavutköy. Caution and preparedness should be exercised against possible disruptions in transportation, icing, and frost events."
WILL SCHOOLS BE CLOSED IN ISTANBUL? While the snowfall continues, it has become a matter of curiosity whether schools in Istanbul will be closed on Friday, January 2. No official statement has yet been made by the Istanbul Governorship regarding the issue.
SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED TOMORROW IN KAHRAMANMARAŞ Due to adverse weather conditions, schools in Kahramanmaraş have also been closed tomorrow.
In a written statement from the governorship, it was reported that according to the latest assessment by meteorology, intermittent snowfall is expected to continue until the evening hours, and there is a risk of strong icing and frost on Friday and Saturday.
It was stated in the announcement that education was suspended for 1 day to prevent possible adverse conditions due to weather conditions:
"Considering the safety of our students and citizens, education and training have been suspended in all public and private educational institutions in Kahramanmaraş on Friday, January 2. Pregnant, disabled, mothers with children attending daycare-kindergarten, and personnel with chronic illnesses working in public institutions will be considered on administrative leave. It is strongly requested that our citizens be cautious and prepared against icing and frost events."
EDUCATION IS DISRUPTED DUE TO SNOW IN ELAZIĞ Elazığ Governor Numan Hatipoğlu shared on his social media account, "Dear students, I am reading what you wrote. I am also following the meteorology. Unfortunately, you will not be in your schools on January 2. My wish is for you to be in your schools on Monday, refreshed and ready. Please read plenty of books and study for your lessons. We love you," he stated.
Due to the ongoing snowfall in Elazığ, education has been suspended for 3 days.
EDUCATION HAS BEEN SUSPENDED DUE TO SNOW IN ŞIRNAK In Şırnak, education has also been suspended tomorrow due to snowfall. In a statement made from the governorship's social account, it was reported that due to heavy snowfall and icing, education has been suspended tomorrow in public and private kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, vocational training centers, adult education institutions, private tutoring courses, and special education and rehabilitation centers.
The statement noted that public employees who are disabled, have severe chronic illnesses, or are pregnant, as well as female public employees working in kindergartens, primary schools, and special education institutions will also be considered on administrative leave.
Due to the ongoing snowfall in Şırnak, education has been suspended for 2 days.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY FOR STUDENTS IN GÜMÜŞHANE The Gümüşhane Governorship has decided to suspend education on Friday, January 2, due to expected snowfall and icing in the city center.
According to meteorological data, it is predicted that temperatures will drop with the expected snowfall in Gümüşhane city center on Friday, January 2, increasing the risk of frost and icing. It is assessed that there may be disruptions in transportation, especially in some areas such as Karaer Neighborhood on Sebahattin Aytaç Street.
Considering that adverse weather conditions may cause disruptions in transportation, it has been reported that educational activities will be suspended on Friday, January 2, in all types and levels of formal and non-formal educational institutions affiliated with the Ministry of National Education, special education and rehabilitation centers, private tutoring courses, preschool education institutions, and public and private nurseries in the city center.
Additionally, it was announced that pregnant, disabled, injured, and personnel with severe chronic illnesses working in public institutions and organizations, as well as female personnel with children attending nursery, kindergarten, and primary school, will be considered on administrative leave during working hours on Friday, January 2. The situation of personnel working in health, security, and 24-hour service units will be evaluated by the relevant unit managers.
On the other hand, due to the effective snowfall across the province, a total of 50 village roads, including 28 in the central district, 2 in the Kürtün district, and 20 in Şiran, have been closed to transportation due to snow. Work has been initiated by the Provincial Special Administration teams to open the closed village roads to transportation.
EDUCATION SUSPENDED IN HAKKARI It has been announced that education will be suspended tomorrow in Hakkari due to adverse weather conditions.
In a statement made on the governorship's social media account, it was noted that the snow depth in residential areas exceeded one meter and two meters in rural areas across the province.
According to meteorological data, it is stated that the ongoing snowfall is expected to decrease its effect towards sunset, but will be heavily effective from midnight until 6:00 AM on Friday. It was emphasized that there is a risk of avalanche in high areas and risky road routes, and that the temperature may drop to minus 10 degrees Celsius, which could pose risks for transportation and daily life.
In order to prevent possible adverse situations and ensure the safety of citizens and students, it was stated that some measures have been taken, including the following:
"Due to heavy snowfall, avalanche, and icing risks, education will be suspended for one day on Friday, January 2, 2026, in all public and private educational institutions across the province. Additionally, considering the risks that students with appointments at Guidance and Research Centers (RAM) and disabled individuals may encounter during transportation, it has been deemed appropriate to suspend services at RAMs on the same date to ensure their safety."
The statement also mentioned that public employees who are pregnant, disabled, dialysis patients, or have chronic illnesses such as heart or kidney failure, as well as one parent from couples with children aged 0-12, will be considered on administrative leave.
SCHOOLS CLOSED IN MALATYA AS WELL Schools in Malatya have also been closed tomorrow due to adverse weather conditions.
Malatya Governor Seddar Yavuz announced on his social media account that schools will be closed tomorrow due to the risk of blizzards and icing following the effective snowfall in the city.
Yavuz stated the following in his post:
"Due to the heavy snowfall, blizzard, and icing risks affecting our province, in order to ensure the safety of our citizens, all public, private, formal, and non-formal educational institutions, rehabilitation centers, and Quran courses (excluding courses for adults) will suspend education and training for one day on Friday, January 2, 2026. Additionally, pregnant and disabled personnel, injured and veterans, mothers with children attending nursery or kindergarten, and personnel with chronic illnesses will also be considered on administrative leave on the same day."
Education was suspended yesterday due to the snowfall affecting the city.
EDUCATION SUSPENDED TOMORROW IN KARS In Kars, education has been hindered by snow, schools will be closed tomorrow across the city, and disabled and pregnant personnel will be on administrative leave. All flights have been canceled today due to bad weather conditions.
Heavy snowfall continues to negatively affect life in Kars. Education will be suspended for one day on January 2, 2026, across the province due to snowfall. It has also been reported that disabled and pregnant personnel working in public institutions will be considered on administrative leave tomorrow.
SCHOOLS CLOSED TOMORROW IN GAZIANTEP AS WELL In a statement from the Gaziantep Governorship, it was announced that education will be suspended for one day tomorrow (January 2) due to snowfall. In the statement from the governorship, it was noted that "Based on the evaluation made by our relevant units in light of meteorological data, due to the expected drop in temperatures, icing, and the risk of epidemic diseases in schools on Friday, January 2, 2026, in order to protect the health of our students and educators and to consider the negative situations that may occur in traffic, all public and private educational institutions providing formal and non-formal education affiliated with the Ministry of National Education, nurseries and daycare centers affiliated with the Ministry of Family and Social Services, and Quran courses affiliated with the Presidency of Religious Affairs will be closed for one day on Friday, January 2, 2026."
On the day when education is suspended in schools, female personnel with children attending kindergarten and primary school (the situation of personnel working in health, security, and 24-hour service units will be evaluated by the relevant unit managers as required by the service), disabled personnel, those with severe chronic illnesses, and pregnant public employees will also be considered on administrative leave."
EDUCATION HINDERED BY SNOW IN ÇORUM TOMORROW Çorum Municipality announced on its official social media account that schools will be closed tomorrow (January 2) across the city.In a statement made by the municipality, it was stated, "The children insisted, and we acted as intermediaries; we got a snow day from our governor. Schools in our city have been declared closed for 1 day on Friday. Enjoy the snow to the fullest, children, have fun, and throw lots of snowballs."
SCHOOLS CLOSED TOMORROW IN DÜZCE The Düzce Governorship announced that with its decision, all formal and private educational institutions will have a break from education on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Snowfall is having a significant impact in Düzce. The Düzce Governorship announced that schools are closed due to the snowfall. In the statement, it was said, "Due to the ongoing heavy snowfall, icing, and adverse weather conditions affecting general life, especially transportation, some measures have been taken for the safety of our citizens and children. In this context, on Friday, January 2, 2026, all formal and private educational institutions, including rehabilitation centers, motor vehicle driving courses, and Quran courses, will have a break from education for one day. Female personnel who are pregnant or disabled, as well as those with children attending daycare, kindergarten, and special education institutions, will be considered on administrative leave on the same day. However, the situation of personnel working in units providing services on a 24-hour basis, such as health and security, will be evaluated by the relevant unit managers as required by the service. We kindly request our citizens to be careful and cautious and to avoid using private vehicles unless absolutely necessary."
READ LOTS OF BOOKS Governor Selçuk Aslan, in his message, stated, "Today, snow has truly taken over in Düzce. We paused education in our schools for 1 day because we prioritize the safety of our children above all else. I know this news will make our children the happiest. Take some time to rest, read lots of books, and prepare better for your final exams, enjoy the snow, but please be careful while playing in it. I also kindly ask our elders to be more cautious, especially in traffic. I wish you all a warm, peaceful, and enjoyable holiday, hoping to meet again in our schools on Monday, healthy and with the same excitement."
SNOW IMPEDES EDUCATION IN BOLU Due to the ongoing heavy snowfall and the risk of icing, education has been paused for 1 day across Bolu. Pregnant and disabled personnel working in public institutions, as well as women with small children, will also be considered on administrative leave.
The Bolu Governorship made a written statement regarding the ongoing heavy snowfall in the city. In the announcement from the governorship, it was stated that measures were taken due to heavy snowfall and icing. The statement said, "Due to the ongoing heavy snowfall, icing, and adverse weather conditions affecting our province; on Friday, January 2, 2026, all our educational institutions (including rehabilitation centers, motor vehicle driving courses, and Quran courses) will have a break from education for 1 (one) day. Pregnant and disabled personnel working in public institutions, as well as women with children attending daycare, kindergarten, and special education institutions, will be considered on administrative leave on the same day. However, the situation of personnel working in units providing services on a 24-hour basis, especially health and security units, will be evaluated by the relevant unit managers as required by the service."
SCHOOLS CLOSED TOMORROW IN AMASYA It was announced that education will be paused tomorrow in Amasya due to snowfall.
In a statement from the Amasya Governorship, it was noted that the decision was made as a precaution against possible adverse conditions such as icing and freezing due to snowfall across the province.
The statement included, "On Friday, January 2, 2026, education will be paused for one day in all official private daycare centers, kindergartens, primary schools, high schools, vocational training centers, adult education institutions, maturation institutes, special education courses, and special education and rehabilitation centers in the province."
It was also stated that disabled and pregnant public employees will be considered on administrative leave for 1 day.
1 DAY BREAK IN EDUCATION IN MUŞ Due to the ongoing heavy snowfall, icing, and avalanche risk in high areas for two days, education has been paused for 1 day in Muş.
Due to the heavy snowfall, icing, and avalanche risk affecting Muş, education will be paused on Friday, January 2, 2026, in all educational institutions except universities. In the announcement from the governorship, it was stated that according to the latest meteorological evaluations, snowfall is expected to continue tomorrow, and measures have been taken against potential risks. In this context, on Friday, January 2, 2026, education will be paused for 1 day in all formal and private educational institutions across the province, excluding universities.
The announcement also noted that pregnant, disabled, and severely chronically ill personnel working in public institutions, as well as women with children attending kindergarten and daycare, will also be considered on administrative leave for 1 day.
SCHOOL CLOSURES DUE TO SNOW IN YOZGAT The Yozgat Governorship announced that schools will be closed tomorrow in Yozgat city center and 13 districts due to adverse weather conditions.
In a written statement from the Yozgat Governorship, it was stated, "According to meteorological data, intermittent snowfall is expected to continue until this evening, with the perceived air temperature dropping to as low as -17 degrees Celsius, and extreme icing and localized fog are anticipated. To prevent potential risks, education will be paused for 1 day in all our schools at all levels in Yozgat city center and all our districts on Friday, January 2, 2026. Pregnant and disabled personnel working in public institutions, as well as mothers with children in preschool education institutions and rehabilitation centers, will be considered on administrative leave. The administrative leave arrangements for personnel in health institutions and those with emergency duty responsibilities in the field (Gendarmerie, Police, AFAD, etc.) will be planned by the relevant institution managers in a way that does not disrupt public services."
SCHOOLS CLOSED IN SIVAS Due to the ongoing heavy snowfall and icing risk, the Governorship announced that education will be paused for another day in all educational institutions across the province on Friday, January 2, 2026.
According to the data from the General Directorate of Meteorology, it is reported that the heavy snowfall continuing in Sivas is expected to last until the night hours, and with the drop in air temperatures, there is a risk of severe icing. To prevent possible adverse situations and as a precaution, the Sivas Governorship announced that all formal and non-formal educational institutions, both public and private, in the province will have a break from education for 1 day on Friday, January 2, 2026. The statement also noted that kindergartens, preschools, primary schools, secondary schools, high schools, vocational training centers, maturation institutes, private teaching courses, special education and rehabilitation centers, and guidance research centers are also included in the holiday scope. According to the governorship's decision, on the day of the break from education; women public employees with children attending kindergarten and preschool, disabled and handicapped employees, those with severe chronic illnesses, and pregnant public employees will also be considered on administrative leave.
The leave status of personnel working in health, security, and units providing services on a 24-hour basis will be evaluated by the relevant unit managers.
1 DAY BREAK IN TOKAT Due to the expected cold weather and icing in Tokat, education has been suspended for 1 day.
In a statement from the Tokat Governorship, it was noted that according to AFAD and Meteorology data, a cold wave is expected to affect the entire province, and severe icing and frost events may occur from the night hours. As a precaution against possible adverse situations, it was reported that all formal and non-formal educational institutions, as well as rehabilitation centers, will have a break from education on Friday, January 2, 2026. The statement also indicated that disabled and pregnant personnel working in public institutions will also be considered on administrative leave on the same day.
SCHOOLS CLOSED TOMORROW IN ZONGULDAK The Zonguldak Governorship announced that education has been suspended for 1 day due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions and the expected frost hazard based on meteorological data.
According to the decision published by Zonguldak Governor Osman Hacıbektaşoğlu; on Friday, January 2, 2026, all formal and non-formal educational institutions, private kindergartens, daycare centers, children's clubs, and rehabilitation centers in the province will be closed.
Under the decision, disabled and pregnant personnel working in public institutions will be considered on administrative leave. Additionally, women public employees with children attending kindergarten and preschool will also be considered on leave, except for units working in health, security, and on a 24-hour basis.
The statement included the following expressions:
"In response to the ongoing adverse weather conditions in our province and the frost hazards expected in the morning hours, some measures have been taken for the safety of our citizens and children based on meteorological forecasts. In this context; on Friday, January 2, 2026, all formal and non-formal educational institutions, private kindergartens, daycare centers, children's clubs, and rehabilitation centers in our province; all e-exam activities planned at the provincial level will be suspended for 1 day. Additionally, women personnel with children attending kindergarten and preschool (the status of personnel working in health, security, and 24-hour service units will be evaluated by the relevant units as required by the service), disabled, and pregnant public employees will also be considered on administrative leave. I kindly request our citizens to be careful and cautious, and to avoid using private vehicles in traffic unless absolutely necessary."
SCHOOLS CLOSED IN BARTIN AND AĞRI The Bartın Governorship announced that due to heavy snowfall and icing, education will be suspended for 1 day in all educational institutions in the province on Friday, January 2, 2026. Additionally, some public employees will be granted administrative leave.
The AĞRI Governorship announced that schools will be closed tomorrow due to the risk of snowfall and icing throughout the province.
In a written statement from the Ağrı Governorship, the following was stated: "According to the predictions and early warning center of the 16th Regional Directorate of Meteorology, heavy snowfall and icing are expected throughout our province on Friday, January 2. Considering the adverse weather conditions and the risk of icing that may occur on January 2, all schools, kindergartens, Quran courses, and rehabilitation centers will have a break from education for 1 day. Additionally, our pregnant and disabled public employees, mothers with children attending kindergarten and preschool, and personnel with chronic illnesses will also be considered on administrative leave."
GOOD NEWS FOR STUDENTS IN ADIYAMAN, BATMAN, AND SİİRT In Adıyaman, education has been suspended for 1 day tomorrow due to the expected snowfall and icing. Disabled, pregnant, and chronically ill employees in public institutions will also be considered on administrative leave.
The Batman Governorship announced that education will be suspended for 1 more day due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions in the province.
In the statement from the governorship, it was noted that according to meteorological assessments, air temperatures are expected to drop further from the night hours, and as a result, the risk of icing and frost will increase. In this context, it was reported that on Friday, January 2, 2026, education will be suspended for 1 day in all formal and non-formal educational institutions in Batman province. It was also announced that disabled and pregnant public personnel will be considered on administrative leave on the same day.
In Siirt, education has been suspended for 1 more day due to heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions. The governorship announced that both public and private educational institutions and private kindergartens will be closed.
EDUCATION BREAK IN KOCAELİ KANDIRA In Kocaeli's Kandıra district, due to the increasing snowfall and risk of icing, education has been suspended for 1 day in all schools on Friday.
SCHOOLS CLOSED IN DIYARBAKIR, BINGOL, TUNCELI, AND MARDIN Snowfall has particularly affected the eastern region of the country.
Holiday news has been coming in from the region one after another. Education has also been suspended tomorrow in Diyarbakır, Bingöl, Tunceli, and Mardin.
SNOW BLOCKS EDUCATION IN KARABÜK In a statement from the Karabük Governorship, it was noted that the snowfall and the risk of icing continue to affect the entire province. The statement reported that on Friday, January 2, education and training in all types and levels of official and private formal and non-formal education institutions, special education and rehabilitation centers, special education courses, and public education centers in Karabük will be suspended for 1 day.