Everything you need to know about our snow day calculator and predictions
How accurate is the snow day calculator?
Our snow day calculator typically achieves 75-85% accuracy in predicting school closures. Accuracy varies by weather event type:
Heavy snow events (6+ inches): 85-90% accuracy
Ice storms and freezing rain: 80-85% accuracy
Extreme cold with wind chill: 90-95% accuracy
Mixed precipitation events: 75-80% accuracy
Remember, final decisions always rest with local school district officials who may consider factors beyond weather.
What factors affect prediction accuracy?
Several factors influence our prediction accuracy:
Weather forecast reliability: Predictions are most accurate within 24-48 hours
Local school district policies: Some districts are more conservative than others
Regional weather patterns: Areas with frequent winter weather have more predictable patterns
Storm timing: Overnight vs. morning storms affect decision-making differently
Infrastructure: Rural vs. urban areas may have different closure thresholds
Does this work for all US locations?
Yes! Our snow day calculator works for any valid US ZIP code. We provide weather data and closure predictions for all 50 states, with regional adjustments for different climate zones and typical school district policies.
Our algorithm automatically adjusts thresholds based on your location's typical winter weather patterns. For example, northern states like Minnesota have different closure criteria than southern states like Georgia.
Do you cover private schools and colleges?
Our predictions are based on general weather conditions and typical school closure patterns in your area. While we focus primarily on public K-12 school districts, the same weather factors often influence private schools and colleges.
However, private institutions and colleges may have different closure policies, so we recommend checking with your specific school for their weather policies and final decisions.
Can I use this on my phone?
Absolutely! Our snow day calculator is fully responsive and optimized for mobile devices. You can access all features from smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.
The interface automatically adapts to your screen size, and all functions work seamlessly on mobile browsers without requiring any app downloads.
When should I check for tomorrow's forecast?
For the most accurate predictions:
Evening before (6-10 PM): Best time for next-day predictions
Early morning (5-6 AM): Final check, as most school decisions are made by this time
During storms: Conditions can change rapidly, so check periodically
Weather forecasts become less reliable beyond 48 hours, so avoid checking too far in advance.
What if I get an error message?
Common error solutions:
Invalid ZIP code: Ensure you enter a valid 5-digit US ZIP code
Weather data unavailable: Try again in a few minutes, or check if the ZIP code is correct
Network issues: Check your internet connection and refresh the page
Service temporarily down: We'll usually be back up within a few minutes
If problems persist, the issue may be with our weather data provider. Try again later.
How do schools actually decide to close?
School districts consider multiple factors when making closure decisions:
Road conditions: Bus routes and main roads must be safe for transportation
Temperature and wind chill: Extreme cold poses safety risks for students
Snow accumulation: Amount and rate of snowfall
Timing: When the storm hits relative to school hours
Forecast reliability: How confident meteorologists are about predictions
Staff availability: Whether teachers and support staff can safely get to school
Power outages: Widespread outages may force closures
Why do some schools close when others stay open?
Schools in the same area may make different decisions due to:
Geographic differences: Even small areas can have varying conditions
Transportation policies: Different bus route challenges and policies
District philosophy: Some are more conservative about safety
Resources: Snow removal and maintenance capabilities vary
Student population: Rural districts may face different challenges than urban ones
Communication timing: When district officials assess conditions
Is this service free to use?
Yes! Snow Day Calculator is completely free to use. There are no charges, subscriptions, or premium features. We don't require registration or personal information - just enter your ZIP code and get predictions.
Our service is supported by weather data partnerships and is designed to be accessible to all students and families.
Where does your weather data come from?
We use WeatherAPI.com, which aggregates data from multiple reliable sources including:
National Weather Service (NWS)
Global Forecast System (GFS)
European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)
Local weather stations and radar data
This ensures we have comprehensive, up-to-date weather information for accurate predictions.
How far in advance can I check?
We provide 2-day forecasts, but accuracy decreases with time:
Next day: Most accurate, typically 80-90% reliable
Day after tomorrow: Good accuracy, 70-80% reliable
Beyond 48 hours: Not recommended, forecasts become unreliable
For best results, check the evening before or morning of the potential snow day.
Do you offer alerts or notifications?
Currently, we don't offer automated alerts or notifications. Our service is designed as an on-demand tool that you check when needed.
We recommend:
Bookmarking our site for quick access
Checking Sunday evening for the upcoming week
Following your school district's official communication channels for final decisions