Metro Detroit Schools Face Closures Amid Subzero Temperatures

DETROIT, Mich. — Metro Detroit schools are bracing for closures as a brutal cold snap grips the region, with wind chills plummeting to -25 degrees and temperatures struggling to reach double digits. A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect for eight counties, including Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland, until noon Wednesday.

Many schools were already closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but several districts have announced they will remain shut on Tuesday and possibly Wednesday due to the extreme cold. “We prioritize the safety of our students and staff,” said a spokesperson for the Detroit Public Schools Community District. “With wind chills this dangerous, it’s not safe to wait at bus stops or walk to school.”

Monday’s high temperatures barely reached 10 degrees, with wind chills staying below zero throughout the day. Conditions are expected to worsen Tuesday and Wednesday, with wind chills forecasted to range between -15 and -25 degrees. “This is some of the coldest weather we’ve seen in years,” said a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. “Exposed skin can develop frostbite in as little as 30 minutes under these conditions.”

While there is no official temperature threshold for school closures, districts across the region are erring on the side of caution. “It’s a tough call, but we have to consider the safety of our youngest students and those who rely on walking or public transportation,” said a superintendent from a suburban district.

Local warming centers have opened their doors to provide relief for residents in need. “We’re here to ensure no one has to face this cold alone,” said a volunteer at a Detroit warming center. “If you need a warm place to stay, please come in.”

Residents are urged to stay indoors if possible, dress in layers, and check on vulnerable neighbors. The 4Warn weather app, available for free download, provides real-time updates on weather conditions and school closures.