Powered by National Weather Service forecasts, observed snowfall, and active winter storm alerts.
The District of Columbia experiences typical mid-Atlantic winter weather, with an average of 15–20 inches of snow per year and occasional ice storms that can snarl traffic and close schools across the city. As a single-district jurisdiction serving over 50,000 public school students, snow day decisions are highly visible and often coordinated with neighboring Maryland and Virginia districts in the broader metro area.
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Active Closures & Delays
Sources update throughout the morning. Always confirm with your school district for the latest information.
No closures or delays reported in District of Columbia today.
The entire District of Columbia. Snow and ice events are infrequent but disruptive due to limited plowing on side streets, hilly terrain in some neighborhoods, and heavy traffic. Schools typically close 2–6 times per year, often preemptively when 2–4 inches are forecast or ice is expected.
A massive nor'easter dumped over 20 inches on the DC area. Schools closed for nearly a week, with many side streets and alleys remaining impassable for days.
Winter Storm Jonas18–28"
Jan 22–24, 2016
Historic blizzard brought 20+ inches to the District. DCPS closed for a full week, and many federal offices shut down.
January 1996 Blizzard20–30"
Jan 6–8, 1996
A major nor'easter paralyzed the region with 20+ inches. Schools closed for up to a week, with lingering cold keeping roads icy.
February 2014 Ice & Snow Event4–10" with significant ice
Feb 12–13, 2014
A mix of ice and snow gridlocked the city. Schools closed for multiple days as the region struggled to clear roads.
Snow Day FAQ
How many snow days does DC get per year?
DCPS typically closes 2–6 times per season. Closures are often for 2–4 inches of snow or ice, with decisions coordinated with nearby Maryland and Virginia districts.
Will school be closed tomorrow in District of Columbia?
It depends on the forecast, storm timing, and local road conditions. Enter your ZIP code above to see the latest closure and delay probabilities for your area. Predictions update automatically as National Weather Service forecasts change.
What triggers a snow day in DC?
Most years, 2–4 inches of forecast snow or any significant ice prompts closures. Preemptive announcements are common when storms are expected during the morning commute. Limited plowing on residential streets and hilly areas like Georgetown extend the impact.
Does DC use virtual snow days?
DC Public Schools allows remote learning days at district discretion. Virtual options were expanded after COVID and are used for weather events when feasible.
Why does DC close for relatively little snow?
Limited plowing resources, hilly terrain, heavy traffic, and coordination with surrounding jurisdictions mean even modest accumulations can snarl the city. After major events like Snowmageddon, the district shifted toward more cautious, preemptive closures.
Snow Day Forecasts by State
Check snow day probabilities for your area. We track school closures, weather alerts, snowfall reports, and 7-day forecasts for all 50 states — from lake-effect blizzards in the Midwest to rare southern snow events.
Great Lakes & Midwest
Lake-effect snow drives some of the highest school closure rates in the country. Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin regularly see multi-day storms, while Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois face both lake-effect bands and arctic cold fronts. The region averages more snow days per year than nearly anywhere else in the U.S.
Nor'easters and coastal storms make the Northeast a snow day hotspot. From Buffalo's lake-effect events to Boston's blizzards and Vermont's mountain snowfall, winter weather closures are a regular part of the school year. Major metros like New York City and Philadelphia see widespread closures when storms hit during commute hours.
Blizzards, high-altitude snowfall, and extreme cold define winter across this region. Mountain passes in Colorado, Utah, and Montana can receive over 200 inches annually, while plains states face wind-driven whiteouts that close schools even with modest accumulations. Wind chill regularly triggers closures across the Dakotas and Nebraska.
Moderate snowfall totals here mask outsized disruption. With lower preparedness and fewer plows, a 3-inch storm in Virginia or North Carolina can close as many schools as a 10-inch storm in the Northeast. Ice storms are especially dangerous across the Appalachian range, often causing multi-day closures.
Snow is rare across the Deep South and Gulf Coast, but when it arrives, it's a regional event. Minimal winter infrastructure means even a dusting can trigger widespread school closures. Ice storms pose the biggest winter threat, and states like Texas and Georgia can see citywide shutdowns from storms that would barely register further north.
Winter weather varies enormously across the West. Alaska sees months of snow and extreme cold, while Pacific Northwest cities face occasional ice storms and wet snow. Mountain areas from the Cascades to the Sierra Nevada measure snowfall in feet. Desert Southwest states rarely see snow at lower elevations.