Nothing beats the excitement of realizing you might have the day off school because of snow. The thought of sleeping in, sipping hot cocoa, and watching snowflakes drift down outside is enough to make anyone smile. But how do you know if tomorrow will actually be a snow day?
While the weather forecast is your best friend, there are also plenty of other hints and signs that the odds are in your favor. In this post, we’ll cover the top 10 signs tomorrow will be a snow day, so you can start making your plans early. And if you want to be extra sure, try our Snow Day Calculator to get a personalized chance based on your ZIP code.
The Weather Forecast Calls for Heavy Snow
If your local weather forecast is predicting 6 inches or more of snow overnight, your chances of a snow day are pretty high.
Why this matters:
Schools often close when road conditions are unsafe, and heavy snow makes clearing streets, sidewalks, and parking lots more difficult.
Pro Tip:
Check multiple sources (like Weather.com, AccuWeather, and the National Weather Service) to make sure the forecast is consistent.
The Storm Is Expected During Peak Travel Hours
Timing is everything. If snow is expected to fall heavily during the early morning when school buses and parents are on the road, it’s much more likely that schools will close.
- Morning storms = Higher snow day chance
- Evening storms = Lower snow day chance unless snow continues overnight
Your Local News Mentions “Hazardous Road Conditions”
When TV meteorologists or news anchors start using phrases like:
“Treacherous roads”
“Blizzard conditions”
“Avoid unnecessary travel”
… it’s a strong sign that school closures might follow.
Schools in Nearby Districts Are Already Closing
If schools in nearby towns are announcing closures, there’s a good chance yours might follow suit especially if you share the same weather system.
| Nearby District | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield | Closed | 8 inches of snow expected |
| Riverdale | Delayed 2 hrs | Roads being cleared |
| Maple Grove | Closed | Power outages reported |
Snow Is Already Sticking to the Roads
Sometimes, you don’t need a forecast you can just look outside. If you see snow already piling up on streets instead of melting, that’s a major red flag for the morning commute.
Your School Sends “Weather Update” Emails or Texts
Many schools will start sending early warnings if conditions are looking dangerous. Even if they don’t officially call it a snow day yet, those updates often mean they’re considering it.
The Temperature Will Stay Below Freezing Overnight
If the temperature is expected to remain under 32°F (0°C) all night, roads won’t get a chance to thaw, which means more ice and harder driving conditions.
The Snowfall Rate Is More Than 1 Inch per Hour
This is a meteorologist’s way of saying: “It’s snowing a lot, very quickly.” Snow that falls this fast overwhelms plows and road crews, making morning travel extremely risky.
Local Officials Are Urging People to Stay Home
If your city issues statements like “Avoid travel if possible” or “Stay off the roads,” schools will usually follow suit and shut down for safety reasons.
You Check the Snow Day Calculator and the Odds Are High
Why guess when you can check? Our Snow Day Calculator uses real-time weather data to give you an accurate prediction of whether your school will close tomorrow.
Quick Summary Table: Top Signs of a Snow Day
| Sign | Snow Day Probability |
|---|---|
| Heavy snow forecast | Very High |
| Snow during peak hours | High |
| Hazardous road warnings | High |
| Neighboring closures | High |
| Snow sticking to roads | Very High |
| Weather update from school | Medium-High |
| Below-freezing overnight temps | High |
| Snowfall rate > 1 inch/hour | Very High |
| Local “stay home” advisory | High |
| High score on Snow Day Calculator | Very High |
Final Thoughts
Snow days aren’t just about skipping school they’re about keeping students and staff safe. By keeping an eye on the forecast, local news, and even subtle clues like emails from your school, you can often tell when a snow day is coming.
If you’re ready to see your personalized snow day chance in just seconds, head over to our Snow Day Calculator now. Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy your snow day when it comes!