Snow Day Calculator

Will school be canceled tomorrow? Enter the weather conditions and school details below to predict your chances of a snow day. Our calculator weighs snowfall, temperature, wind, ice, and school policies to estimate your probability.

ZIP Code

Your location

Expected Snowfall

in inches

Temperature

in °F

Wind Speed

in mph

Ice Expected?

School Type

Snow Days Already Used

This school year

This calculator is for entertainment purposes only. Always check your school district's official announcements.

How Schools Decide to Cancel

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes when a snow day is called? Superintendents and school administrators weigh several critical factors before making the call, usually between 4 and 6 AM:

Snowfall amount: The total accumulation is the most obvious factor. Most districts start seriously considering cancellation at 4-6 inches, though this varies greatly by region. Schools in northern states may stay open in conditions that would shut down southern districts.
Road conditions: Administrators consult with local road crews and plow drivers. If main roads and bus routes can't be cleared in time, school is likely canceled.
Temperature and wind chill: Extreme cold is dangerous for students waiting at bus stops. Many districts cancel when wind chill drops below -20°F to -35°F.
Ice and freezing rain: Ice is often more dangerous than snow. Even a thin layer of ice on roads can make bus travel impossible and walking hazardous.
Timing of the storm: A storm hitting overnight is more likely to cause cancellation than one expected in the afternoon. Schools also consider whether conditions will worsen during dismissal.

Factors That Increase Snow Day Chances

Several conditions can tip the scales toward a snow day:

Heavy snow overnight: Snow that falls between midnight and 5 AM is the biggest driver of cancellations since plows may not have time to clear roads.
Freezing rain or ice storms: Ice accumulation of even 0.25 inches makes roads extremely dangerous and is a near-automatic cancellation trigger.
High winds with snow: Wind gusts over 30 mph create whiteout conditions, drifting snow, and dangerous wind chills.
Rural districts: Schools with long bus routes on rural roads are more likely to cancel since those roads are plowed last.
Multiple neighboring districts closing: Districts often coordinate decisions. If surrounding districts cancel, yours is more likely to as well.

A Brief History of Snow Days

Snow days have been a beloved part of American childhood for generations. Before telephones, schools would ring church bells or fire sirens to signal closings. The advent of radio and TV brought the familiar "school closing" crawls. Today, automated call systems, apps, and social media deliver the news instantly. Some districts are experimenting with "e-learning days" as a replacement, though many parents and teachers argue that traditional snow days serve an important role in childhood and family life.

Tips for Making the Most of a Snow Day

Build a snow fort or have a snowball fight while the snow is fresh
Make hot chocolate and enjoy a family movie marathon
Catch up on reading or start a creative project
Help your neighbors shovel driveways and walkways
Take photos of the winter wonderland before it melts

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the snow day calculator?

This snow day calculator is designed for entertainment purposes. It uses common factors that school administrators consider when canceling school, such as snowfall amount, temperature, wind speed, and ice conditions. However, actual decisions depend on many local factors including road conditions, bus routes, and superintendent judgment. Always check your school district's official announcements.

What factors cause school closings?

Schools typically close due to heavy snowfall (4+ inches), icy roads, dangerously cold wind chills (below -20°F), power outages, or poor visibility. Superintendents usually make the decision by 5-6 AM after consulting with road crews, weather services, and neighboring districts.

How many snow days do schools get per year?

Most school districts build 3-5 snow days into their academic calendar. If schools exceed their allotted snow days, they typically must extend the school year or convert professional development days. Some districts have shifted to virtual learning days instead of traditional snow days.

Do private schools cancel less than public schools?

Private schools sometimes cancel less frequently because they often draw students from a smaller geographic area and may not rely on bus transportation as heavily. However, this varies widely. Many private schools follow the lead of their local public school district for safety reasons.