Sulaymaniyah, Halabja suspend classes for two days due to cold snap

SULAYMANIYAH — The Sulaymaniyah and Halabja governorates announced the suspension of classes on Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 20–21, in all public and private educational institutions within its jurisdiction due to a significant drop in temperatures.

The Sulaymaniyah governorate stated that the decision was made following reports from the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Transport and Communications, consultations with relevant departments, and coordination with the Sulaymaniyah Directorate of Education. Authorities cited public health concerns as the basis for the suspension.

According to forecasts, a new cold wave is expected to sweep through much of the Kurdistan Region starting Tuesday.

Meanwhile, authorities in Halabja governorate also announced a two-day suspension of classes. In a statement, the Halabja Directorate of Education said the decision was based on meteorological reports and followed consultations with the governorate and relevant institutions. The suspension will apply on Tuesday and Wednesday as a precautionary measure to protect public health and safety.

Sulaymaniyah has hot, dry summers and cold, wetter winters. Most rain and snow falls in the late autumn and winter months.

Winters in the Kurdistan Region are notably cooler and wetter than the rest of Iraq.