Minnesota Snow Day Forecast & School Closings
Minnesota lives up to its reputation as one of the snowiest and coldest states in the nation, and its school closure decisions reflect both the heavy snowfall and the extreme cold that define its winters. The Arrowhead region near Lake Superior can exceed 80 inches of snow per year, while even the southern border regularly tops 40 inches. With wind chills that routinely plunge below -30°F, Minnesota is one of the few states where dangerous cold alone — without any snowfall — triggers widespread school closures.
Active Closures & Delays
Sources update throughout the morning. Always confirm with your school district for the latest information.
Minnesota Recent Snow Days
| Date | Closings | Delays | Other | Most Active County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 17, 2026 | 4 | 38 | — | Martin |
| Mar 16, 2026 | 114 | 4 | — | Olmsted |
| Mar 15, 2026 | 15 | 3 | 1 | Nicollet |
| Mar 14, 2026 | 2 | — | 2 | Nicollet |
| Mar 13, 2026 | 38 | 38 | 1 | St Louis |
| Mar 12, 2026 | — | 1 | 7 | Marshall |
| Mar 6, 2026 | — | 2 | 1 | St Louis |
| Mar 4, 2026 | — | 1 | — | Mower |
| Feb 20, 2026 | 8 | 3 | 1 | Winona |
| Feb 19, 2026 | 3 | 24 | — | Brown |
| Feb 18, 2026 | 13 | — | 20 | Brown |
Closing data is gathered from public sources and may not reflect every district. Always confirm with your school for official status.
Check Your Forecast
Snow Zones in Minnesota
Duluth and the Iron Range receive the heaviest snowfall in the state, amplified by Lake Superior moisture. Duluth averages nearly 87 inches per year. Schools close 8–15 times per season, and the combination of heavy snow and extreme cold makes this one of the most closure-prone regions in the Midwest.
International Falls, Bemidji, and the northern tier. Extreme cold is as much a factor as snowfall — wind chills below -40°F are common in January. Districts close 6–12 times per year, with cold days sometimes outnumbering snow days.
St. Cloud, the western prairies, and Moorhead. Open terrain means blowing and drifting snow can make rural roads impassable even with moderate totals. Schools close 4–7 times per year. Ground blizzards — blowing snow with little new accumulation — are a unique hazard here.
Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs. The largest concentration of students in the state. Districts close 3–6 times per year, typically for 4+ inches of accumulation or dangerous wind chills. Metro preparedness is high, but major systems can still shut down the region.
Rochester, Mankato, and the Iowa border counties. The least snow in the state, but ice storms tracking north from Iowa and Missouri can be highly disruptive. Schools close 3–5 times per year. Blizzard conditions with high winds and moderate snow are more common than heavy dumps.
Major School Districts in Minnesota
Notable Winter Storms
One of the most legendary storms in Minnesota history. Over 28 inches fell in the Twin Cities over three days. Schools were closed for nearly a week and the storm is still the benchmark that Minnesotans measure all others against.
A sudden and deadly blizzard struck with almost no warning. Temperatures dropped over 50 degrees in hours. The storm killed 49 Minnesotans and remains one of the deadliest weather events in state history.
Extreme cold shut down schools statewide for multiple days. Wind chills reached -50°F to -60°F in northern Minnesota. Schools across the state closed for cold alone, even in areas accustomed to harsh winters.
A historic late-season blizzard hammered the state in mid-April. The Twin Cities received over 15 inches and southern Minnesota saw even higher totals. Schools that had already planned spring activities were forced to close.
Snow Day FAQ
How many snow days does Minnesota get per year?
The Arrowhead and northern regions average 8–15 closure days. The Twin Cities metro averages 3–6. Southern Minnesota sees 3–5. Extreme cold closures add days that don't show up in snowfall statistics.
Will school be closed tomorrow in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota?
Most districts close for 4+ inches of forecast snow or significant ice. Wind chill is a major independent trigger — many districts close when wind chills drop below -35°F to -40°F. Blowing snow and poor visibility on rural roads also drive closures in prairie districts.
Does Minnesota use virtual snow days?
Minnesota allows e-learning days at district discretion. Many districts adopted virtual snow day options after COVID, which is particularly valuable in a state that can lose 10+ days in heavy winters. Some districts reserve a few traditional snow days alongside the virtual option.
When is snow season in Minnesota?
Measurable snow can fall from October through April, and the northern tier has seen flakes in May. The core snow season runs November through March, with the heaviest months being December through February. Late-season blizzards in March and April are not uncommon.