While many Wisconsin schools have announced closures for Tuesday, the University of Wisconsin-Madison still plans to “operate normally” amid the extreme cold

While many schools across Wisconsin — including Madison College and the Madison Metropolitan School District — have announced closures on Tuesday due to the severe cold, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is planning to “operate normally.”

That’s according to a weather update posted by UW-Madison on X and its Instagram Story Monday afternoon.

Wind chill will be “dangerously cold” in the Madison area through Tuesday, especially during the morning commute, said Michaela Heeren, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan.

More: Which Wisconsin schools will be closed Tuesday due to extremely low temperatures and wind chill?

“UW-Madison plans to operate normally on Tuesday and encourages students and employees to plan ahead for cold weather,” the school’s social media post said. “If you are unable to attend class or come to work, please contact your instructor or supervisor. Make alternative arrangements.”

The post was related to the school’s inclement weather policy for employees.

What’s the weather forecast for Tuesday in the Madison area?

“We do have northwest winds, and we expect those winds to pick up in the early morning hours,” Shearen said late Monday night.

According to Heeren, winds were gusting to 10 mph in the Madison area around 10:45 p.m. Wind gusts are expected to reach 15 to 20 mph by sunrise.

Nighttime low temperatures will reach -15 degrees.

“As temperatures continue to drop and winds get stronger, we expect wind chills to drop into the -30 to -35 degree range,” Heeren said. “It will be dangerously cold, especially during the early morning commute and even into the middle of the day.”

She advises that if you must be out on Tuesday, cover all exposed skin, especially during the early morning commute. If people must wait outside for buses or transportation, please cover up and keep waiting times as short as possible.

Exposed skin can become frostbitten in as little as 10 minutes, she warned.

Temperatures will “slowly improve” after mid-morning Tuesday, reaching -10 degrees by the afternoon.

Chills are expected to rise to -15 to -20 degrees in the Madison area heading into the afternoon, but gusty winds will continue, Heeren said.

Temperatures will reach around 0 by Tuesday night.

Tips for staying safe in subzero weather

The City of Milwaukee Health Department, Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service offer several ways to stay safe during extreme cold conditions, including:

• Keep extra supplies in your vehicle and home in case of emergencies.

• Use only approved room heating equipment to avoid the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Make sure pets are indoors or in a “sheltered, warm space with access to water.”

For more information on cold weather safety, click here.

Cailey Gleeson of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: UW-Madison plans to ‘operate normally’ on Tuesday despite extreme cold