Extreme Cold Warning: Navigating School Closures in Minnesota

ST PAUL, Minn. – As temperatures plummet across Minnesota, a common question arises: how cold is too cold for school? The answer isn’t straightforward, varying significantly between school districts. However, with wind chills forecast to drop as low as -45 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the week, the possibility of a statewide school shutdown looms.

The Governor’s Authority & Historical Precedents

A statewide school closure ordered by the governor is a rare occurrence, reserved for truly life-threatening conditions. The most recent instance occurred during the historic polar vortex from January 27-31, 2019. Then-Governor Mark Dayton invoked emergency authority to close all Minnesota public schools for multiple days, as documented by the MN DNR. During that period, wind chills plummeted to a staggering -50°F to -60°F – some of the most extreme conditions Minnesota had experienced in decades.

Schools throughout the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota were closed for up to four consecutive days, with some districts transitioning to online learning. The Twin Cities experienced an ambient air temperature of -28°F on January 30, 2019, the lowest recorded since February 2, 1996, according to state officials.

Typical Closure Thresholds & Recent Events

Generally, Minnesota schools consider closing when wind chills reach -35°F. Last year, numerous districts took action due to bitterly cold temperatures. From January 20-21, 2025, dozens of school districts, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Anoka-Hennepin, Duluth, and Rochester, canceled in-person classes, implemented delayed starts, or shifted to e-learning as wind chills dropped to -35°F to -45°F.

Looking Back: Past Extreme Cold Events

The mid-1990s brought a series of harsh winters, with Governor Arne Carlson ordering school closures in 1994, 1996, and 1997. February 2, 1996, remains etched in Minnesota’s history as the coldest day on record, with an all-time low of -60°F registered in Tower, Minnesota.

Staying Informed

For the latest updates and local forecasts, download the KARE 11 app to stream news directly to your phone.

Stay tuned for more updates as the extreme cold warning develops.