WMU News

WMU closes campuses Jan. 20 for severe weather

Contact: Emily Doran
January 20, 2026

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Except for essential services, all WMU campuses are closed and classes are canceled today, Tuesday, Jan. 20, due to severe weather. 

This article will be updated with special hours as information becomes available. Check the University events calendar to confirm whether an event is canceled. Those who have posted items to the calendar are expected to update the event post to indicate whether the activity will continue as planned, transition to a virtual format or be canceled.

Campus services

  • The Sindecuse Health Center will be closed Tuesday.
  • Waldo Library and Zhang Legacy Collections Center will be closed Tuesday.
  • The WMU Student Center, the third-floor dining center and FedEx will be open Tuesday. The bookstore, PNC and HÔU JIA will be closed Tuesday.
  • The Student Recreation Center is closed Tuesday. All programs, club sports practices and rentals are canceled for the day.
  • The Valley Dining Center and Student Center Dining will operate during regular hours on Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Campus Cafés and the four retail operations on the first floor of the WMU Student Center (Mi Pi, Re-Fresh Market, Fuego Verde and Starbucks) will be closed. Updates will be posted on the Dining Services website.  
  • West Hills Athletic Club is open Tuesday during regular hours. Morning group fitness classes are canceled.
  • Miller Auditorium is open Tuesday, and the musical “Chicago” will go on as planned at 7:30 p.m.
  • Metro bus routes 19, 21 and 25 will not have service Tuesday. If you need a ride, please call 269-337-8222 and press 0 for assistance.
  • The men’s basketball game versus Bowling Green will proceed as planned Tuesday at 7 p.m. at University Arena in Read Fieldhouse.

Weather-related University closings since 1999

  • 1999, Jan. 4-5—Heavy snowfall delayed the start of spring semester.
  • 2000, Nov. 21-22—Thanksgiving recess began Tuesday because of snow.
  • 2006, Dec. 1—An ice storm downed trees and caused power outages.
  • 2007, Feb. 5—Extreme cold and snow closed many Michigan colleges.
  • 2008, Feb. 1—WMU closed due to snow.
  • 2009, Dec. 10—Blizzard conditions closed WMU.
  • 2013, Jan. 31—Snow and icy conditions closed WMU.
  • 2014, Jan. 6-7—Significant snowfall and expected severely cold temperatures prompted many Michigan colleges to close. The closure delayed the start of spring semester.
  • 2014, Jan. 27—Snow and cold temperatures closed WMU.
  • 2014, Nov. 18—Heavy snowfall closed WMU.
  • 2015, Feb. 2—A widespread snowstorm closed WMU and many others schools around the state.
  • 2016, Feb. 25—In an otherwise mild winter, a heavy snow accompanied by high winds closed WMU.
  • 2018, Feb. 9—Severe winter weather prompted WMU to close at noon.
  • 2019, Jan. 23—A mix of sleet, freezing rain and snow closed schools throughout the region.
  • 2019, Jan. 28—A snowstorm covered the Kalamazoo area in several inches of snow and closed many schools throughout Michigan. The University closed campus at midday.
  • 2019, Jan. 29—Severe weather prompted WMU to close at 5 p.m.
  • 2019, Jan. 30-31—Snow and dangerously low temperatures due to wind chill prompted schools throughout the upper Midwest to close for two full days.
  • 2019, Feb. 13—Freezing rain followed by heavy snow closed the University.
  • 2022, Feb. 2—Rain turned to snow overnight, covering the Kalamazoo area in several inches of snow by midday.
  • 2022, Nov. 18—A lake-effect snow storm dropped more than a foot of snow, causing the University to close campus early.
  • 2022, Dec. 22—Impending severe winter weather and blizzard warning cause the University to close early on the final day before winter recess.
  • 2023, Feb. 22—An ice storm hit southern Michigan and caused an early closure for the University.
  • 2023, Feb. 23—For the second day in a row, an ice storm and power outages prompt Western and schools to close.
  • 2024, Jan. 12—A large winter storm and strong winds sweeping across West Michigan prompted the University to close early.
  • 2024, Jan. 23—Freezing rain and icy conditions led the University to delay classes until 10 a.m.
  • 2025, Jan. 21—Frigid temperatures and snow caused the University to close.
  • 2025, Jan. 22—Severe freezing temperatures and snow closed all campuses for a second day.
  • 2025, Feb. 12—WMU closed campus to evening classes for fast-falling heavy snow.
  • 2026, Jan. 20—WMU closes all campuses and cancels all classes because of severe weather.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.