Arctic Cold Blast Cancels School For Many

news image
Top Stories
29 Jan 2019 6:42 PM
The coldest blast of air this winter, and perhaps in years, is gripping a large part of the northern U.S.   Wind Chill alerts are in effect through Thursday from the Dakotas, down through Missouri, and over to Pennsylvania.  When the air temperature and wind values are combined, it will feel like 25 to 60 below zero!
Overnight lows into Wednesday morning will be brutal.  28 below zero in Minneapolis.  21 below zero in Chicago.  And 22 below zero in Des Moines.
But when the wind blows, the wind chill values will kick in.  And the resulting windchill values will be unbelievably cold.  In Duluth, it will feel like 59 below zero!  Chicago will feel like negative 47 degrees.  Buffalo will feel like 22 below zero.  Frostbite can set it in a few minutes under such conditions.
The temps and wind chills will be so brutal, that many school districts will be closed on Wednesday.  Public schools in Buffalo, Chicago, Columbus, Detroit, Des Moines, Fargo, and Grand Rapids will all be closed on Wednesday.  And with similar conditions expected on Thursday, many of these school districts may opt to remain closed for another day.
When determining school closures in the winter, many factors are taken into account.  Usually, a team of school officials will confer on the following variables:
  • Amount and Type of Precipitation
  • Temperature/Wind Chill
  • Visibility
  • Status of Clearing Roads
  • Status of Clearing Sidewalks
  • Refreeze of Melted Snow/Ice from Previous Day
  • Blowing Snow and Continued Snow in the Forecast
With regard to temperatures and wind chill values, the key factor is whether or not it's safe for students to wait at the bus stops in the morning.  School districts have different criteria when it comes to determining this.  Many districts don't have a hard-set temperature cutoff for delaying or cancelling school.  But as a general rule, if students could get frostbite by standing outside for ten minutes, school would likely be cancelled.
There are other factors as well.  For example, some school buses are propane powered.  These buses are not impacted as much by severe cold compared to diesel-fueled buses.
And school districts in rural areas have different factors to consider versus school districts in urban areas.  For example, in rural areas, many students have to walk farther to bus stops and wait at these locations longer than students in a city.  So weather can impact students in rural areas much more. Many districts have their delay and cancellation criteria outlined online.  Parents and students can review school policy to get a better idea of how decisions are made. For WeatherNation:  Meteorologist Matt Monroe
All Weather News
More
Stormy Days Ahead for the Northeast and Mid-Alantic

Stormy Days Ahead for the Northeast and Mid-Alantic

A break in storms for the Northeast is on the

9 May 2025 11:15 AM
Huge Hail in the Mid-South Thursday, Storms Linger in the Carolinas Friday

Huge Hail in the Mid-South Thursday, Storms Linger in the Carolinas Friday

Hail over the size of tennis balls and even b

9 May 2025 11:05 AM
Late Week Heat Back in the West

Late Week Heat Back in the West

WEST - Hazardous heat is back in the forecast

9 May 2025 3:05 AM
Southeast Soaker This Weekend

Southeast Soaker This Weekend

A large trough of low pressure stalls over th

8 May 2025 1:40 AM
Major Spring Storm Continues With Rain & Snow For the Rockies

Major Spring Storm Continues With Rain & Snow For the Rockies

Looking at the rain from a glass half full le

7 May 2025 12:40 PM
Flooding Threat Takes Aim at the Gulf Coast

Flooding Threat Takes Aim at the Gulf Coast

The forecast remains wet in the southern plai

7 May 2025 2:00 AM
Rainy Forecast Could Disrupt Kentucky Derby

Rainy Forecast Could Disrupt Kentucky Derby

Louisville is gearing up for the 151st Kentuc

3 May 2025 4:30 PM