Hundreds Of Schools Across Metro Detroit Close Amid Dangerous Cold

DETROIT (WWJ) - Hundreds of schools are closed across metro Detroit amid dangerously cold temperatures as another round of snow hits parts of the state.

All public school districts in St. Clair and Lapeer counties are closed Thursday. A majority of the other closures are in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. A brisk wind combined with the bone-chilling cold will result in temperatures that feel like 15 below to 25 below, forecasters said.

[SCHOOL CLOSINGS: Check The List]

The National Weather Service said the low temperature Thursday morning hit a record 5 degrees below zero at Detroit Metro Airport. The previous record of 4 below zero was set back in 1936.

A Wind Chill Advisory remains in effect until 5 p.m. Thursday for Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. A Wind Chill Warning is in effect until 5 p.m. Thursday for Livingston, Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties. Forecasters say the coldest wind chills, around 30 below zero, will occur between 8 a.m. and noon Thursday.

The bitterly cold wind chills could lead to frost bite in less than 30 minutes, and prolonged exposure to the extreme cold could lead to hypothermia. If you must venture outdoors, be sure to cover as much skin as possible with appropriate winter clothing.

CBS 62 Chief Meteorologist Jim Madaus said things will warm up a little bit on Friday, but not by much.

"After single digits today, we're looking at 12 tomorrow with a morning low of 11 below zero," he said. "On Saturday, it will feel warm but still below freezing with a high around 30. In fact, every day in the seven-day outlook is below freezing, below 32 degrees."

Here's the local forecast from the CBS Detroit weather team:

Thursday: Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 4F. Low -11. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph.

Friday: Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. Variable clouds with snow showers overnight. High 12F. Low 8F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph.

Saturday: Cloudy with snow showers becoming a steady later on; accumulating 1 to 3 inches. High 30F. Low 24F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday: Cloudy. High 27F. Low -2F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.

Monday: A mainly sunny sky. High 13F. Low -1F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

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