Schools Adjust to Dangerously Low Temperatures Across Minnesota

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Dozens of school districts in Minnesota and western Wisconsin are altering their schedules due to a stretch of dangerously cold weather. On Wednesday, February 19, some schools will start late or move to online learning as wind chills plummet to dangerous levels.

This follows widespread closures and shifts to online learning on Tuesday, when many districts reacted to the extreme cold. Wind chills overnight are expected to drop into the 20s, 30s, and even 40s below zero, prompting local leaders to prioritize student safety.

According to the National Weather Service, extreme cold warnings and weather advisories will again be in effect late Tuesday into early Wednesday. Highs in the Twin Cities barely broke into the single digits above zero on Tuesday, indicating the severity of the current cold snap.

“Safety is our first priority,” said Soyoung Kim, a reporter for FOX 9, who spoke with St. Paul Public Schools’ transportation director. Measures are being taken to ensure students can travel safely to and from school in these conditions.

Several schools have canceled classes altogether on Wednesday, including Brandon-Evansville Public School District, Harvest Best Academy, Hiawatha Academies, and Venture Academy. While closures are significant, many other schools are only delaying the start of the school day by two hours.

As conditions continue to unfold, parents and students are encouraged to check with their local school districts for the latest updates on delays and closures. The Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) News has committed to keeping the public informed by updating the list of affected districts as further developments arise.

Although the extreme cold is expected to persist through Wednesday, there are signs of a warming trend on the horizon. Forecasts suggest that temperatures might return to the teens and 20s by Thursday, with the potential for highs nearing 50 degrees early next week.

The current weather situation serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by local schools during severe winter conditions. Additionally, it highlights the need for communities to work together to ensure the safety and well-being of students as they navigate these harsh elements.