Milwaukee, WI – Schools across Wisconsin and parts of the Midwest are closing or shifting to virtual learning today as an arctic blast brings dangerously cold temperatures and life-threatening wind chills.
According to school districts and National Weather Service alerts, Extreme Cold Warnings remain in effect across much of Wisconsin, with wind chills forecast to plunge as low as -40 degrees. Officials say the closures are aimed at keeping students and staff safe during early-morning travel and outdoor exposure.
In Southeast Wisconsin, Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) confirmed all schools and district offices are closed Friday. Multiple suburban districts — including Wauwatosa, West Allis–West Milwaukee, Greenfield, Greendale, Mequon-Thiensville, and Shorewood — have also announced closures.
Across Central Wisconsin, districts such as Wisconsin Rapids, Merrill, and Nekoosa canceled in-person classes, while Port Edwards shifted to virtual learning.
Further south, Kenosha Unified and Sheboygan Area School District also confirmed Friday closures due to the extreme cold.
The cold snap is not limited to Wisconsin. Illinois and Indiana districts — particularly in the Chicago metro area — are opting for e-learning days or full closures as wind chills are expected to fall below -30 degrees, according to local school announcements.
Weather officials warn that frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes under these conditions. Parents and caregivers are urged to check district websites, emails, and social media pages for the latest updates, as additional closures or schedule changes remain possible.
