School Closings and Delays Today (January 7) in Massachusetts, Michigan, and Wisconsin amid Winter Storm

School closings and delays today (Wednesday, January 7): A winter storm that won't go away is still causing widespread school closings and delays today, January 7, 2026. 

A mix of freezing rain and heavy lake-effect snow is making morning commutes dangerous across the Upper Midwest and Northeast. Several states are still under National Weather Service (NWS) advisories. 

Some areas in Wisconsin and Michigan reported more than 6 inches of new snow overnight. In Massachusetts, icy patches and freezing fog have caused superintendents to delay school by two hours so that road crews have enough time to treat the surfaces.

This article has the most recent information about school closures and delays from official district offices, to be well-informed.

List of School Closings and Delays Today by States

The school cancellation is typically finalised by 5:30 AM local time. Below is the current status of major districts impacted by the January 7 weather front.

Wisconsin School Closings and Delays

In Northwest Wisconsin, counties including Barron, Burnett, and Polk are seeing the heaviest impact. Many districts that were closed on Tuesday have extended their closures into Wednesday due to impassable rural roads and secondary drifting.

• Barron County: Most districts closed; no extracurricular activities.

• Rice Lake: Closed today; transition to e-learning for secondary students. 

• Spooner & Shell Lake: Full closures confirmed by district superintendents.

Michigan School Closings Today

The wintry mix transition in Michigan has created a skating rink effect on local highways. Officials in Mason and Mecosta counties have warned that while main roads are being salted, side streets remain dangerous for heavy buses.

• Big Rapids Public Schools: Closed Wednesday.

• Ludington Area School District: Closed due to icy conditions.

• Grand Rapids Area: Primarily seeing 2-hour delays to monitor rising temperatures.

Check Out - What are the Snowiest Cities in the United States?

Why are School Closings in Massachusetts Increasing?

Massachusetts school districts are facing a split weather event today. While coastal regions remain clear, central and western MA are dealing with stubborn ice. According to local authorities, the primary concern is the safety of students waiting at bus stops in sub-freezing wind chills.

• Worcester Area: Multiple 2-hour delays reported to allow for salting.

• Western MA: Districts in the Berkshires have opted for full closures where snow totals exceeded 4 inches.

• Looking Ahead: Parents are already asking about school closings in Massachusetts tomorrow; however, most meteorologists expect a warming trend to clear roads by Thursday afternoon.

  🌨️Wintry weather is forecast today and tonight across northern portions of the country. Heavy mountain snow will impact the Cascades and northern Rockies while a low pressure system brings a mix of snow, sleet, and ice to the Great Lakes and Northeast. Remain weather aware today! pic.twitter.com/MUAu8Tdv8v

  — NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) January 6, 2026

How to Track the Official List of School Closing Announcements

To stay ahead of sudden schedule changes, you should rely on a multi-channel approach:

1. Direct Alerts: Ensure your phone number is updated in the SchoolMessenger or district-specific robocall system.

2. Official Social Media: Follow your local district’s X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook page for instant updates.

3. Local News Apps: Most TV stations in Boston, Detroit, and Milwaukee offer notifications specifically for closings and delays.

Read the previous school closings update here!

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Safety remains the top priority for school boards across the country today. While many districts are opting for e-learning to avoid extending the school year into June, others have called for a traditional snow day. 

We will continue to update this list of school closing alerts tomorrow as more districts report in for the January 7-8 cycle. Meanwhile, stay tuned to the local district reports for adjustments.