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Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures sweeping across Türkiye led to the suspension of education in multiple provinces on Wednesday, Dec. 31, as governorates moved to mitigate safety risks following repeated warnings from the Turkish State Meteorological Service.
Authorities cited snow, icing and frost as the primary concerns, placing thousands of students and public employees on leave as winter conditions intensified.
In Kahramanmaras, the governor’s office announced a one-day suspension of education in all public and private schools.
Pregnant employees, people with disabilities, mothers with children in daycare or kindergarten, and public employees with chronic illnesses were placed on administrative leave.
Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University said classes would continue but granted administrative leave to similar categories of staff, excluding those in managerial roles.
Gaziantep Governor Kemal Ceber announced a province-wide, one-day suspension, encouraging students to enjoy the snowfall during the final days of 2025.
Education was also halted for one day in Malatya, Adiyaman, Sanliurfa, Kilis, Mardin, Van, Mus, Bingol and Elazig, with administrative leave granted to pregnant, disabled and chronically ill public employees, as well as mothers with young children.
In Bitlis, education was suspended for two days due to severe cold, heavy icing and snowfall, affecting all schools, daycare centers and rehabilitation facilities. A similar two-day suspension was announced in Elazig.
In Sivas, Kayseri, Aksaray, Nigde and Tunceli, authorities ordered a one-day suspension of education across public and private institutions due to expected heavy snowfall and icing. Public employees in vulnerable categories were granted administrative leave.
In the Black Sea region, Sinop suspended education fully in Turkeli district, while transported education was partially halted in Ayancik, Erfelek, Boyabat, Dikmen and Gerze.
Kastamonu suspended transported education in the city center, while Ordu’s Akkus district announced a one-day closure for all schools.
In Ardahan’s Posof district, transported education was suspended after snowfall disrupted transportation.
The Interior Ministry issued a yellow weather alert for 45 provinces, urging citizens to remain cautious against snowfall, frost and icing. Officials warned that disruptions could continue as cold air masses remain effective across much of the country.
In Istanbul, heavy rain that began Tuesday evening intermittently turned into sleet and snowfall, particularly in higher-elevation districts.
Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines announced the mutual cancellation of 61 flights scheduled for Dec. 31 due to adverse weather conditions.
Turkish Airlines Communications Director Yahya Ustun said passengers could check flight status and ticket options via the airline’s website and mobile application, stressing that flight safety remains the company’s top priority.
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