Milwaukee area school closings: Winter weather updates
UPDATED at 10:01 am on Thursday, January 22
What you need to know:
Milwaukee Area School Closings January 23, 2026: Full List of Cold Weather Closures
School Closures Friday Jan 23: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Kenosha & More
Extreme Cold Closes Schools Across Greater Milwaukee Friday – Complete List
Extreme cold is shutting down schools across southeastern Wisconsin Friday. With wind chills plunging to -40°F Friday morning—cold enough to cause frostbite in just 10 minutes—school districts and private schools across the six-county Milwaukee metro area are canceling classes. Milwaukee Public Schools led the way with an early Wednesday announcement, and dozens more schools have followed. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning effective midnight Thursday through 1 PM Friday, with an Extreme Cold Watch continuing through Saturday noon.
Dangerous Arctic Conditions
The decision to close comes as an arctic air mass brings the coldest temperatures of the winter season. The National Weather Service warns wind chills will drop to -30 to -40°F Friday morning, remaining at -25 to -35°F through Friday afternoon.
These conditions pose serious risks for students who walk to school or wait at bus stops. MPS officials noted they consulted with local government agencies, the National Weather Service, and bus companies before making their decision. Light snow with wind gusts up to 35 mph may also reduce visibility due to blowing and drifting.
🥶 Milwaukee Area School Closures
Friday, January 23, 2026 | Extreme Cold Warning
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School Closure Odds
Will it be a Snow Day or Cold Day?
Data from National Weather Service. Not an official notification.
Greater Milwaukee area schools could likely close if the National Weather Service issues a COLD Weather Warning for Friday, January 23.