NBC15 Madison Latest School Closings and Delays

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As winter weather and spring storms move through South Central Wisconsin, staying informed on school schedules is a top priority for families in the Madison area. NBC15 (WMTV) provides the most comprehensive and up-to-the-minute list of school closings, delays, and early releases.

Current School Closings and Delays Status

How to Access the NBC15 Closing List

NBC15 offers several ways to track the status of your local district or daycare center:

The Live Closing List: The official NBC15 Closings Page is updated in real-time. It is sorted alphabetically and includes school districts, private schools, and local businesses.
The NBC15 News App: You can set up custom push notifications for “Severe Weather” to get instant alerts on your phone.
WMTV On-Air: Watch The Morning Show starting at 4:30 AM for the scrolling ticker at the bottom of your screen, which lists all active delays and cancellations.

Key Terms You Need to Know

Wisconsin schools use a variety of statuses to keep students safe while maintaining the academic calendar. Here is what they mean for your morning routine:

Status	Impact on Your Day
Closed	No school for students. Most extracurricular activities and sports are also canceled.
2-Hour Delay	School starts exactly two hours later than the normal time. Bus pickups also shift two hours later.
Early Release	School ends early (usually between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM) to get students home before incoming weather.
Virtual Learning Day	Physical buildings are closed, but students are expected to log in for remote instruction.

Why the Call is Made

Decisions regarding school schedules are typically made by 5:30 AM. Superintendents work closely with the NBC15 First Alert Weather Team and local highway departments to evaluate:

Road Traction: Are plows able to keep up with snowfall or freezing rain?
Extreme Cold: If wind chill values drop below -25°F, many Madison-area schools will close to protect students waiting at bus stops.
Building Safety: Monitoring for power outages or heating issues following high wind events.

Pro Tip: Always have a “Plan B” for childcare ready during the winter months in Wisconsin. Closings are often announced with less than two hours’ notice before the first bus routes begin.

WMTV, virtual channel 15, is an NBC-affiliated television station licensed to Madison, Wisconsin, United States. The station is owned by Gray Television.-Wikipedia