A snow day calculator estimates the likelihood of a school or workplace closure by analyzing weather forecasts, historical closure trends, expected snowfall, temperature conditions, and, in some cases, local rules and policies.
**Accuracy:**
• More dependable than a guess because it uses real-time weather data combined with past closure patterns.
• Not completely precise, as weather can change rapidly and closure decisions are often shaped by local factors such as road conditions, transportation safety, staff availability, and administrative judgment.
• Most accurate when used 1–3 days in advance, since short-term forecasts are usually more reliable; accuracy decreases for longer-range predictions.
Beyond accuracy, snow day calculators are best used as a **planning aid rather than a final decision-maker**. They help students, parents, and employees prepare in advance by offering a realistic estimate of what might happen. However, unexpected events like sudden temperature drops, overnight ice formation, or emergency policy changes can alter outcomes at the last moment. Overall, a snow day calculator is a valuable guide, but real-time conditions and human decision-making ultimately determine whether closures occur.