Snow Day Calculator for Wisconsin

Use this Wisconsin snow day calculator to see how likely schools are to close when winter storms move in. Enter your ZIP code and get an estimate based on snowfall, temperature, wind, and local road conditions.

Check Your Snow Day Chance in Wisconsin

Use the tool below to check if your school in Wisconsin might close because of snow, ice, strong wind, or dangerous winter road conditions.

Will Schools Close in Wisconsin Due to Snow?

Wisconsin school districts do not follow one statewide rule for snow days. Each district looks at how safe it is for buses, cars, and walkers to travel early in the morning. Your snow day estimate for Wisconsin considers:

• Expected snowfall during the night and morning hours
• Temperature, wind chill, and freeze risk on local roads
• Wind speed, blowing snow, and whiteout risk in open areas
• Conditions on highways, county roads, and rural side roads
• Past closure patterns in northern, central, and southern Wisconsin

Weather across Wisconsin can change quickly, especially near Lake Superior and along open farm fields. A live prediction is more helpful than a fixed inch count when you want to know if school might close.

Typical Snow Day Thresholds in Wisconsin

Each Wisconsin district sets its own guidelines, but many schools start to consider closing when:

• Snowfall is heading toward 4–8 inches by the start of school
• Roads are unplowed, icy, or too slick for buses and cars
• Heavy snow or lake-enhanced bands hit during commute times
• Wind reduces visibility and creates drifting across open areas
• Wind chills reach levels that are unsafe for students outside

Northern and lake-effect areas are used to frequent snow and may remain open during some storms. Districts in southern or more rural regions may close sooner when back roads and hills become unsafe.

Snow Day Patterns Across Wisconsin

Snow day chances vary across Wisconsin because lake-effect snow, elevation, and road networks differ by region.

• Northern Wisconsin: Areas near Lake Superior and the Northwoods often see deep snow totals, strong wind, and drifting, which can make rural routes unsafe.
• Central Wisconsin (e.g., Wausau, Stevens Point): This region sees frequent winter storms with a mix of light, dry snow and heavier events. Drifting across open fields is common.
• Eastern Wisconsin (Green Bay, Appleton, Manitowoc): Lake influence can increase totals and wind. School decisions often focus on visibility and road treatment.
• Southern Wisconsin (Madison, Milwaukee, Kenosha): These areas see a mix of snow and wintry rain. Closures often depend on ice, slush, and traffic impact more than extreme totals.

Your Wisconsin snow day estimate uses live weather data for your ZIP code instead of a one-size-fits-all rule.

Cities in Wisconsin

Some of the major cities and areas in Wisconsin include:

• Milwaukee, WI – 53202
• Madison, WI – 53703
• Green Bay, WI – 54301
• Kenosha, WI – 53140
• Racine, WI – 53403
• Appleton, WI – 54911
• Waukesha, WI – 53186
• Eau Claire, WI – 54701
• Oshkosh, WI – 54901
• Janesville, WI – 53545
• La Crosse, WI – 54601
• Sheboygan, WI – 53081
• Wausau, WI – 54401
• West Allis, WI – 53214
• Fond du Lac, WI – 54935

How Wisconsin Schools Decide on Snow Closures

Wisconsin superintendents and transportation staff usually begin checking conditions very early in the morning. A typical decision process includes:

1. Driving bus routes to check snow depth, ice, and drifting.
2. Calling city, county, and state road crews about plowing and salting progress.
3. Reviewing updated forecasts, radar loops, and winter weather alerts.
4. Looking at when the heaviest snow or strongest winds will affect travel.
5. Deciding whether to open, delay, switch to remote learning, or close for the day.

Many Wisconsin districts aim to announce closures or delays between 5:00 AM and 6:30 AM so families can plan their morning schedule.

Wisconsin Snow Day FAQs

Which parts of Wisconsin get the most snow days?

Northern Wisconsin and areas near Lake Superior often see more snow days because of higher snow totals, drifting, and long rural bus routes.

Do Milwaukee and Madison schools close often for snow?

These districts have experience with winter storms, but they still close when heavy snow, ice, or low wind chills make travel unsafe.

How does this Wisconsin snow day calculator estimate chances?

The calculator uses live weather data, including predicted snowfall, temperature, wind, and freeze risk, to estimate how likely a snow day is for your ZIP code.

What time do Wisconsin schools usually announce snow days?

Most districts try to announce closures, delays, or schedule changes before 6:30 AM so students, parents, and staff can plan their morning and travel.

Do all Wisconsin districts use the same rules for snow days?

No. Each district makes its own decision based on local roads, bus routes, weather history, and community expectations. Urban, suburban, and rural areas may respond differently to the same storm.

This Wisconsin snow day calculator is designed to help you understand the chance of a snow day based on weather conditions. Final decisions about delays and closures are always made by your local school district.