School closing and delays today (Thursday, January 8): The first big storm of 2026 is still affecting the school year. Today, school closings and delays are affecting thousands of families in the Midwest and Northeast.
A Yellow weather warning is still in effect for many American states on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The National Weather Service (NWS) says that dangerous ice buildup and thick fog are the main reasons for the problems.
Superintendents started announcing school closures as early as 5:00 AM in states like Minnesota and Michigan, where temperatures had dropped into the single digits. This was to make sure that bus fleets wouldn't get stuck on slippery secondary roads.
Meanwhile, Massachusetts districts are grappling with freezing mist that has turned morning commutes into a challenge, leading to a surge in two-hour delays and shifted e-learning schedules.
Which States Have School Closings and Delays Today?
As of this morning, three primary regions are seeing the highest volume of schedule changes. While some districts in the South and Mid-Atlantic remain open, the Frost Belt is under heavy monitoring.
Minnesota School Closings
Following Tuesday's heavy snow, many districts are still recovering. While urban areas like Minneapolis are largely back to in-person learning, rural districts in the northern and western parts of the state remain under e-learning status due to drifting snow.
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Minneapolis Public Schools: CLOSED (Jan 8 & Jan 9).
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Stillwater Area Schools: 2-Hour Delay due to lingering ice.
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St. Cloud Area Schools: 2-Hour Delay; morning preschool cancelled.
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White Bear Lake: 2-Hour Delay.
Michigan School Delays
Freezing rain has created a skating rink effect on roads in West and Northern Michigan. Metro Detroit districts are currently operating on a mix of two-hour delays and full cancellations.
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Big Rapids Public Schools: CLOSED
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Ludington Area School District: CLOSED
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Grand Rapids Public Schools: Operating on a 2-Hour Delay to monitor rising temperatures.
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Foley & Princeton: 2-Hour Delay.
Massachusetts School Delays
Icy patches and low visibility have prompted several districts in the Berkshires and Central MA to implement delayed starts to allow salt crews extra time.
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Shrewsbury Public Schools: CLOSED.
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Grafton Public Schools: 2-Hour Delay; no morning preschool.
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Greenfield Center School: CLOSED.
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Mohawk Trail Regional: CLOSED.
Current School Closings and Delays Status for Jan 8, 2026
| Region | Current Status | Primary Reason |
| Northern Minnesota | Widespread Closures | Drifting Snow / High Winds |
| Western Michigan | 2-Hour Delays | Freezing Rain & Sleet |
| Central Massachusetts | Selective Delays | Dense Fog & Black Ice |
| Northeast US | Monitoring | Impending Rain/Snow Mix |
An updated Day 3-7 Hazards Outlook has been issued. https://t.co/VBxTZCp4sE pic.twitter.com/AZlKDIyWGD
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) January 7, 2026
How to Check Minnesota School Closings and Delays?
Minnesota parents are navigating a complex mix of "Cold Weather Rule" delays and snow-related cancellations. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, decisions are typically finalised by 5:30 AM.
List of Top Resources for MN Updates:
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District 24-Hour Hotlines: Most districts, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, have dedicated lines for recorded status updates.
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State DOT (MnDOT): Check the 511mn.org map; if roads are purple (ice-covered), school closings today are highly likely.
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Local News Tickers: Stations like WCCO and KARE 11 provide real-time scrolling lists of every affected private and public school.
Check Out - What are the Snowiest Cities in the United States?
Are More School Closings Likely Tomorrow?
Looking ahead to Friday, January 9, meteorologists are tracking a second wave of moisture moving through the Tennessee Valley toward the Northeast.
This system is expected to bring heavy rain to the South but could transition into a wintry mess for Michigan and Massachusetts by tomorrow morning.
If the overnight freeze persists, parents should prepare for the possibility of school closings tomorrow as well.
Many school boards are already advising families to have a childcare backup plan in place for the end of the week.
Read the previous school closings update here!
School Closing and Delays (January 7, 2026)
School Closing and Delays (December 16, 2025)
Safety remains the top priority for school officials as they navigate these early 2026 winter storms. Whether your district has opted for a two-hour delay or a full e-learning day, staying tuned to official school social media channels and local news is essential.
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