Snow Day Calculator for Minnesota

Use this Minnesota snow day calculator to estimate how likely schools are to close during winter storms. Enter your ZIP code and get a prediction based on snowfall, wind, temperature, and road conditions across the state.

Check Your Snow Day Chance in Minnesota

Use the tool below to see if winter weather in your Minnesota area may lead to a school closure or delay. Predictions account for snowfall, wind chills, ice risk, and visibility.

Will Schools Close in Minnesota Due to Snow?

Minnesota winters bring heavy snow, strong winds, and extreme cold. School districts in the state consider several factors before deciding on closures:

• Snowfall expected overnight and during the morning commute
• Wind chills and dangerous cold exposure risks
• Blowing snow and low visibility on highways and rural roads
• Ice buildup and untreated surfaces on local routes
• Past closure patterns in northern, central, and southern Minnesota

Conditions vary widely across the state. Northern Minnesota may experience deep snow and severe wind chills, while southern regions may deal with ice or mixed precipitation. A ZIP-based estimate gives the most accurate picture for your area.

Typical Snow Day Thresholds in Minnesota

Minnesota schools are used to frequent winter storms, but closures still happen when conditions become unsafe. Districts may consider closing when:

• Snow totals reach 5–10 inches by morning
• Wind chills fall to unsafe levels for students waiting outside
• Blowing snow reduces visibility across open areas
• Ice or freezing rain affects major roads
• Rapid temperature drops cause refreezing and slick conditions

Northern districts may stay open during moderate storms but close for extreme wind chills. Southern districts often close earlier during icy conditions.

Snow Day Patterns Across Minnesota

Minnesota’s weather varies sharply by region, leading to different closure patterns across the state.

• Northern Minnesota: Frequent snow, extreme cold, and strong winds often create dangerous conditions. Rural routes and long bus rides increase closure chances.
• Central Minnesota: Regular snow events with occasional heavy storms. Drifting snow is common in open areas.
• Southern Minnesota: More mixed precipitation and ice risk. Closures often depend on road treatment and visibility.
• Twin Cities Region: High traffic volume increases risk during storms. Decisions often focus on ice, timing, and highway safety.

A live ZIP-based calculation helps account for these regional differences.

Cities in Minnesota

Major Minnesota cities and their ZIP codes include:

• Minneapolis, MN – 55401
• Saint Paul, MN – 55101
• Rochester, MN – 55901
• Duluth, MN – 55802
• Bloomington, MN – 55420
• Plymouth, MN – 55446
• Brooklyn Park, MN – 55443
• Woodbury, MN – 55125
• Maple Grove, MN – 55369
• Lakeville, MN – 55044
• Eagan, MN – 55122
• Eden Prairie, MN – 55344
• Coon Rapids, MN – 55433
• Mankato, MN – 56001
• Burnsville, MN – 55337

How Minnesota Schools Decide on Snow Closures

Minnesota school districts follow a detailed process when winter weather threatens safety. Most decisions involve:

1. Checking snow accumulation, drifting, and visibility on sample bus routes.
2. Reviewing wind chill values and frostbite risk.
3. Speaking with road crews about plowing and salting progress.
4. Checking the timing of the heaviest snow or strongest winds.
5. Announcing delays, closures, or schedule changes early in the morning.

Many Minnesota districts aim to notify families between 5:00 AM and 6:30 AM.

Minnesota Snow Day FAQs

Which parts of Minnesota get the most snow days?

Northern Minnesota and the Lake Superior region often see the highest snow totals and coldest wind chills, leading to more closures.

Do Minnesota schools close often?

Districts close when dangerous wind chills, heavy snow, or blowing snow affect travel and student safety.

How does the calculator estimate snow day chances?

It uses predicted snowfall, wind, temperature, and ice risk for your ZIP code to estimate closure likelihood.

What time do closure announcements happen?

Most Minnesota districts make decisions before 6:30 AM to allow families time to adjust their plans.

This tool provides an estimate only. Final decisions come from your local Minnesota school district.