Meta description: Breaking amid arctic blast: Extreme cold warnings trigger school closings across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Chicago. Discover if your district is affected, plus vital safety tips to beat the freeze.
As of just now on this frigid January 23, 2026, a merciless extreme cold warning has descended upon the Midwest, plunging temperatures into the depths of danger and forcing widespread school closings. Families are scrambling to adjust plans as wind chills dip to life-threatening levels, evoking a mix of anxiety and resilience in communities battling nature’s icy grip. From bustling cities to quiet suburbs, the cold snap is not just a weather event—it’s a stark reminder of winter’s unforgiving power, leaving parents wondering: is there school today?
This arctic outbreak, fueled by a polar vortex spillover, has meteorologists sounding alarms across states. In Minnesota, where the air feels like a frozen blade against the skin, districts are prioritizing safety over schedules. The same story unfolds in Wisconsin and Illinois, where the cold’s bite is prompting urgent decisions. As a journalist who’s covered countless storms, I can tell you: this one’s hitting hard, stirring emotions from frustration over disrupted routines to gratitude for proactive measures that protect our kids.
What’s Behind This Brutal Extreme Cold Warning?
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold warning that’s blanketing much of the Midwest, with wind chills forecasted to plummet between -30 and -55 degrees Fahrenheit. This isn’t your average winter chill—it’s a hazardous cocktail of subzero temperatures and howling winds that can cause frostbite in mere minutes. Originating from a deep arctic air mass pushing south, the warning kicked in late Thursday and extends into the weekend, affecting millions.
Imagine stepping outside and feeling your breath freeze instantly. That’s the reality for residents today, where exposed skin risks severe damage in under 10 minutes. Emotions run high as families huddle indoors, sharing stories of past winters while bracing for this one. But facts ground us: this cold snap rivals some of the harshest in recent years, with potential extensions if the vortex lingers.
Short bursts of snow may accompany the freeze, but it’s the wind that’s the real villain, amplifying the danger. Officials urge vigilance, emphasizing that this weather doesn’t discriminate—it threatens everyone from schoolchildren to the elderly.
Minnesota School Closings: Districts Shutter Amid the Freeze
In Minnesota, the extreme cold warning has led to massive school closings mn and mn school closings, with dozens of districts opting for closures or e-learning on this fateful Friday. Parents checking “school closing” updates are finding widespread cancellations, from the Twin Cities to rural areas. The University of Minnesota has scaled back operations on its campuses, a move that echoes the state’s commitment to safety.
Picture anxious parents refreshing apps at dawn, only to confirm: no class today. Districts like Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Anoka-Hennepin are among those closed, shifting to remote options where possible. This decision tugs at heartstrings—kids miss friends, but relief washes over families knowing their little ones won’t brave the elements. For those wondering “is there school today,” the answer is a resounding no for many, with school delays minimal as full closures dominate.
The emotional toll is palpable: working parents juggle childcare, while educators pivot to virtual lessons. Yet, it’s a testament to community spirit, with neighbors offering help and social media buzzing with shared tips.
Wisconsin’s Chilling Response: UW Madison and Local School Closings
Over in Wisconsin, the story mirrors the chaos, with school closings wi rippling through central and southern regions. UW Madison has canceled classes entirely for January 23, a rare but necessary step amid the extreme cold warning. Students, usually bustling across campus, are now hunkered down, trading lectures for layers of warmth.
Local districts aren’t far behind. Stevens Point, Merrill, and Tomahawk have announced closures, some switching to e-learning to keep education flowing. The school closing announcements evoke a sense of unity, as communities rally against the cold. Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) joins the list, shuttering doors and canceling after-school events.
It’s heartbreaking to think of kids missing out on routines, but the alternative—exposing them to -40 wind chills—is unthinkable. Parents are turning to creative indoor activities, fostering family bonds in the face of adversity.
Chicago Public Schools Under Siege: CPS School Closing Details
Shifting to Illinois, the extreme cold warning has hit Chicago hard, prompting a full cps school closing for Friday, January 23. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) buildings are closed to the public, with no classes or extracurriculars, as wind chills threaten -35 degrees. For those asking “is cps closed tomorrow,” note that Saturday activities resume, but today is a total shutdown.
This cps decision stirs deep emotions—relief for safety, but frustration over lost learning days. Suburban districts echo the move, with some opting for e-learning. Families in the Windy City, already resilient, are adapting with grace, sharing heartwarming stories of impromptu home schooling and hot cocoa sessions.
The closure aligns with past precedents, like the 2024 freeze, underscoring CPS’s focus on health. It’s a poignant reminder: in extreme weather, protection trumps all.
Staying Safe: Essential Tips During This Cold Snap
Beyond school closings, survival is key. Layer up, limit outdoor time, and check on vulnerable neighbors—these actions save lives. Warming centers are opening across affected areas, providing refuge from the freeze.
Emotions peak as we confront nature’s fury, but knowledge empowers. Hydrate, cover all skin, and watch for frostbite signs like numbness. For drivers, beware black ice amid any school delays.
This event fosters empathy, as strangers become allies in warmth.
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Key Takeaways from the Extreme Cold Warning
- Wind Chills Plunge Deep: Expect -35 to -55 below zero across MN, WI, and IL, risking frostbite in minutes.
- Widespread Closures: Over 100 districts affected, including mn school closings, school closings wi, and cps in Chicago.
- University Impacts: UW Madison classes canceled; UMN on reduced ops.
- Duration Alert: Warning through weekend; monitor for extensions.
- Safety Stats: Cold-related deaths rise 20% in such events—stay indoors.
As the cold lingers, remember: this too shall pass. Communities will emerge stronger, bonded by shared endurance.
About the Author
Ankita Patel is a Midwest-based journalist with over a decade covering weather crises and community impacts. Passionate about factual reporting that saves lives, she draws from personal experiences in harsh winters to deliver empathetic, timely stories. Follow her for more updates on regional news.
