Winter Weather Advisory Worcester Schools Opening Late Due to Icy Morning Commute

Worcester Public Schools and many other districts across Central Massachusetts implemented a 2 hour delay on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The decision follows a night of freezing rain and light sleet that left 0.1 to 0.2 inches of ice on untreated surfaces. District officials noted that the delay allows city crews extra time to treat main arteries and residential side streets before buses begin their routes. The safety of the 12,000 students who walk to school daily was a primary factor in the decision.

Hazardous Travel Across Worcester County

The National Weather Service has extended a Winter Weather Advisory for Worcester and surrounding counties until 10:00 AM. Meteorologists report that while temperatures are hovering near the freezing mark, bridges and overpasses remain significantly slicker than main highways. Drivers are being urged to exercise extreme caution as black ice has been reported on several secondary roads. In addition to school delays, some city services may be pushed back due to the treacherous conditions for heavy vehicles.

List of Affected Districts and Closings

While Worcester is operating on a delay, some neighboring districts have opted for full closures. Auburn Public Schools and the Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District are closed for the day as of Wednesday morning. Other local institutions, including Abby Kelley Foster Charter, Algonquin Regional, and Berlin Boylston, are following the 2 hour delay schedule. Parents are encouraged to check local news feeds frequently as some delays could be upgraded to cancellations if ice persists.

Weather Outlook and Road Conditions

A Declared Winter Parking Ban may be in effect for the City of Worcester to ensure salt trucks and plows have clear access to tight streets. Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid 30s by early afternoon, which should help melt the remaining ice and improve road conditions for the evening commute. However, a secondary storm system is being monitored for potential heavy snow and wind impacts later in the week. By the afternoon commute, the storm is expected to be over with temperatures ticking upward.