In the context of a strong cold air wave starting to affect from the evening and night of January 20-21, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said that from January 21, the North and North Central regions will turn cold.
On the night of January 21st to around January 23rd, the North will be very cold, with severe cold in some mountainous areas. The lowest temperature is commonly 8-11 degrees Celsius in mountainous and midland areas; 11-14 degrees Celsius in the Northern Delta; 13-16 degrees Celsius in the North Central region.
On that basis, many localities have issued or applied instructions on skipping school according to temperature thresholds.
At the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, preschool and elementary school students are allowed to rest when the outdoor temperature is below 10 degrees C; secondary school students are allowed to rest when the temperature is below 7 degrees C.
Temperature based on forecast bulletins and measured data at about 6 am from the meteorological agency.
Schools do not organize outdoor activities during cold days; they are flexible to adjust school hours to avoid students arriving at school too early. Parents can proactively let their children take leave from school when the weather is too cold.
Applying the same threshold, Phu Tho Department of Education and Training and Hai Phong Department of Education and Training request schools to closely monitor weather forecasts, proactively announce school breaks or adjust teaching plans when temperatures drop low, and promptly provide information for parents to coordinate management.
In mountainous provinces, cold prevention and control work is deployed synchronously.
In Lang Son, the Provincial Steering Committee for Civil Defense requested localities to closely monitor and forecast, not to use charcoal stoves for heating in closed rooms, and to strengthen ensuring health for boarding students.
The whole province currently has 647 educational institutions with more than 200,000 students; the education sector requires schools to allow students to take leave in accordance with regulations according to the conditions of each region, each level of education and notify parents early.
In Son La, where there are more than 376,000 students at more than 600 educational institutions, the education sector directed to reinforce classrooms, air-locked dormitories, and strictly manage the use of electricity, coal, and firewood for heating. Strengthen fire prevention and fighting education and safety skills for students and teachers at highland school sites.
Functional agencies recommend that parents and schools closely monitor the weather forecast, based on temperature thresholds and actual conditions to decide on timely school breaks, prioritizing safety and students' health during severe cold and frosty days.
