Enter the expected snowfall, temperature, timing, ice, wind and where you live. The calculator gives a rough chance of a snow day. It is for fun, not an official forecast.
Results are estimates for planning. Check the figures before you make a financial or health decision.
How the Snow day calculator works
This is a simple scoring model, not a weather forecast. It builds a percentage from several parts:
- Snowfall: the main factor. Snow counts fully at 5 cm if snow is rare where you live, or at 20 cm where it is common. Less snow gives a proportionally lower score.
- Temperature: colder is higher, because snow settles and freezes. Above 4°C the score drops sharply.
- Timing: snow overnight scores highest, snow during the day lower and evening-only snow lowest.
- Ice: freezing rain or ice adds points.
- Wind and area: strong wind and rural roads add points, and city centres take some off.
The total is capped between 0% and 97%, with a label from ‘Unlikely’ to ‘Very likely’. Your school or local authority makes the decision, and the rules here are only a simple guide.
Tips and common mistakes
Use a local forecast for the snowfall, temperature and timing figures, and update them as the forecast changes. Expect the estimate to move a lot between inputs, so try a few cases. Always check your school’s website, text alerts or the local authority for the actual decision, and plan for travel disruption even if the school stays open. Remember the model is simple, so do not rely on it for decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an official forecast?
No. It is a simple fun estimate built on a few rules. Only your school or local authority can decide on a closure.
Why does it ask where I live?
Places where snow is rare close schools after much less snow than places where it is common. The setting changes the amount of snow needed to score highly.
What matters most in the result?
Expected snowfall, followed by temperature and timing. Snow overnight, before the school run, counts for the most.