As Storm Goretti continues to bring extreme winter weather to the UK, many parents, students, and teachers are left with the pressing question: will schools be closed on Friday? With snow and ice warnings issued across multiple regions, especially in the north, the answer is not straightforward. The situation remains dynamic, with school closures being considered on a local level as weather conditions evolve.
What Is the Current Weather Situation Across the UK?
The UK is experiencing one of the harshest winter spells in recent years. The Met Office has issued widespread yellow and amber weather warnings for snow, ice, and gusty winds, with particular concern for Scotland, Northern Ireland, northern England, and parts of Wales.
These conditions have created hazardous roads, disrupted public transport, and led to a spike in accidents across the country. In parts of Scotland, the snow has been so severe that some councils have already declared a major incident. Hundreds of schools have remained closed for consecutive days.
In rural Northern Ireland, the situation is equally challenging, with icy conditions forcing school authorities to cancel classes for safety reasons. As the cold spell continues, there is growing concern that more areas will need to follow suit.
How Is Preston and Its Surrounding Area Affected?
Preston and the surrounding parts of Lancashire are under continuous snow and ice warnings, with forecasts suggesting these conditions will persist into Friday. Although not all schools in the region have closed, many have already taken precautionary measures earlier in the week, including temporary closures and remote learning alerts.
The local council is monitoring the situation and working with individual schools to assess risks. In areas where school buses struggle to operate safely or where access roads are untreated, closures become increasingly likely. The decision to shut down a school often depends on the safety of students and staff travelling to and from the premises.
Earlier this week, several schools in Preston, including primary academies and secondary institutions, made the decision to close after overnight snowfall created treacherous morning commutes. Given that similar conditions are forecast for Thursday night, it is possible the same pattern could repeat on Friday.
Are Schools Likely to Close on Friday?
While there is no nationwide directive mandating school closures, many local authorities are preparing for the possibility.
Each school’s leadership, often in conjunction with local councils, evaluates a range of factors before deciding to close:
- The severity of local weather conditions
- The accessibility and safety of the surrounding roads
- The operational status of heating and utilities within school buildings
In regions like Preston and Manchester, where the weather forecast shows prolonged sub-zero temperatures and continued snowfall, it is more likely that some schools will close either fully or partially. Headteachers are typically required to make a decision early in the morning after assessing conditions on-site and through local authority updates.
What Should Parents in the UK Do to Stay Informed?
With no single announcement covering all regions, parents are encouraged to take proactive steps to stay informed. Local councils usually publish a list of school closures each morning on their official websites. Schools also notify parents via direct email, SMS, or apps such as ClassDojo or ParentMail.
Parents should also monitor their child’s school social media channels and check their websites for live updates. The government’s official school closure checker is another resource where users can enter their postcode and see if closures have been confirmed in their area.
In volatile weather conditions, schools may decide to close with little notice. It is therefore important for parents to prepare for short-notice announcements and have a plan in place should a closure occur.
How Do Conditions Compare Across Major UK Cities?
To understand the broader impact of the storm, it is helpful to compare how various cities and regions are responding to the weather warnings.
The following table outlines the likelihood of school closures based on current conditions:
| City / Region | Closure Likelihood | Notes |
| Preston | High | Ongoing snow and ice; transport disruptions likely |
| Manchester | High | Persistent snow and low temperatures increase closure probability |
| Liverpool | Moderate to High | Regional warnings; some schools may close due to road conditions |
| Birmingham | Moderate | Milder conditions; closures possible in isolated areas |
| London | Low to Moderate | Less snow but risk from ice; isolated closures in outer boroughs |
| Edinburgh | Very High | Major incident declared; many schools already shut |
| Cardiff | Moderate to High | Yellow warnings; rural schools most affected |
| Belfast | High | Icy conditions; rural closures already confirmed |
What Is an Example of a Likely Scenario for Preston?
Imagine a typical secondary school in a suburban area of Preston. On Thursday night, weather reports predict overnight snow with sub-zero temperatures. By 6:30 AM Friday, road conditions are poor, with untreated surfaces making bus travel dangerous.
Teachers commuting from outlying towns report difficulties reaching the school. The headteacher assesses the site and consults the local authority before deciding to close for the day.
Parents are notified via text message and email by 7:15 AM. Students are instructed to access online learning materials prepared earlier in the week. Meanwhile, the council updates its website, confirming the closure. This scenario reflects the type of swift action required when unpredictable winter weather hits.
What Can We Expect in the Coming Days?
Weather forecasts suggest that snow and freezing conditions will persist into the weekend. The Met Office anticipates that temperatures will remain below average, with further snow showers possible in the north and northeast. Should these conditions continue, there is a real possibility that some schools may need to close again next week.
Parents should remain vigilant and ensure they receive timely updates from their local education providers. It may be helpful to have backup childcare or flexible work arrangements in place in case closures are extended beyond Friday.
How Can Schools Prepare for Weather Disruptions?
Schools across the UK typically follow established protocols during extreme weather. These include assessing the safety of school premises, communicating early with parents, and making use of remote learning tools when in-person teaching is not feasible.
Many schools in Preston have already issued communications to parents outlining what steps will be taken if Friday brings more hazardous conditions. Some schools have also prepared learning packs and digital resources so students can continue their education from home.
This approach ensures that disruptions are minimised and that learning continues, even when physical attendance isn’t possible. As weather events become more unpredictable due to climate change, this kind of flexibility may become a standard part of school planning.
Where Can You Find Accurate Closure Information?
To ensure you are receiving accurate and timely information about school closures, refer to the following sources:
- Your local council’s official website
- Your child’s school website or communication platform
- The UK Government’s school closure checker (postcode-based): https://www.gov.uk/check-school-closure
Avoid relying on unverified social media posts, as these can often spread misinformation or cause unnecessary panic.
Conclusion
With continuing weather warnings, especially across northern regions such as Preston, Manchester, and parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, school closures on Friday remain a strong possibility.
While each school’s decision will depend on local conditions, the ongoing snowfall, icy roads, and disrupted transport systems suggest that many schools will err on the side of caution.
Parents are advised to check “the official updates regularly and be prepared for sudden changes. As extreme weather becomes a more common occurrence, the education sector may need to increasingly adapt to ensure continuity in both safety and learning.
