Toronto Grapples with Record Snowfall, While Virtual Learning Alters Snow Day Tradition

Toronto began the arduous task of digging itself out from a historic snowfall, as some parts of the city were buried under nearly 60cm of snow on Sunday, according to The Guardian. The record-breaking storm also led to the cancellation of over 500 flights at Toronto's main airport.

More than 88.2cm of snow fell at Pearson International Airport this month, marking the snowiest January and the snowiest month since records began in 1937, The Guardian reported. Officials stated that the cleanup process was likely to take several days.

Meanwhile, a shift in how winter weather is handled is occurring in education. Snow days, a traditional part of childhood, are becoming less common due to the rise of virtual learning, impacting children's opportunities for unstructured play and community experiences, according to multiple sources including Vox. This change is driven by increasingly extreme winter weather and the adaptation of schools to remote learning.

"As more extreme winter storms sweep through the nation and kids stay home from school, parents and teachers alike are rethinking what happens when bad weather strikes," Vox noted. This prompts a reevaluation of the benefits lost when traditional snow days are replaced with virtual instruction.

In other news, the USC Scripter Awards announced its 2026 winners, with Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" winning outstanding film adaptation and "Death by Lightning" taking the episodic series prize, Variety reported.

Developments in technology continue to make headlines. OpenAI is making a concerted effort to integrate its large language models into scientific research, launching a team called OpenAI for Science, according to MIT Technology Review. The firm aims to explore how its tools can assist scientists and tailor its models to better support scientific endeavors.

NPR News highlighted the importance of moderation in health trends, such as cold plunging and strength training, for optimal benefits with minimal time commitment. Research from Northwestern University revealed that residential wood burning significantly contributes to winter air pollution, disproportionately impacting urban areas and public health.

The New York Times Technology section reported on a diverse range of global events, including advancements in AI and health technology, escalating U.S.-Canada tensions, and social unrest in Minneapolis following a fatal shooting.