Missouri Snow Day Forecast & School Closings
Missouri sits at the crossroads of Arctic air masses, Gulf moisture, and Rocky Mountain storm tracks, creating winter weather that ranges from heavy snow in the north to devastating ice storms in the Ozarks. The northern tier near Kirksville averages roughly 24 inches per year, while Springfield sees about 16 — but ice storms are often more dangerous than snow. With two major metros anchoring opposite sides of the state, Kansas City and St. Louis can see completely different conditions on the same day.
Active Closures & Delays Today — Mar 31, 2026
Sources update throughout the morning. Always confirm with your school district for the latest information.
Delayed 1 school
Missouri Recent Snow Days
| Date | Closings | Delays | Other | Most Active County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31, 2026 | — | — | 1 | Wright |
| Mar 18, 2026 | — | — | 1 | Clark |
| Mar 17, 2026 | 5 | — | — | Lewis |
| Mar 16, 2026 | 57 | — | 4 | Kansas City |
| Mar 13, 2026 | 1 | — | — | St. Louis |
| Mar 6, 2026 | — | — | 1 | Perry |
| Mar 5, 2026 | 1 | — | 2 | Bollinger |
| Feb 27, 2026 | 2 | 1 | — | Kansas City |
| Feb 26, 2026 | 1 | — | — | Kansas City |
| Feb 19, 2026 | — | — | 1 | Daviess |
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 Missouri
Kirksville, St. Joseph, and the northern tier along the Iowa border. The snowiest part of the state, with consistent Alberta clipper and Colorado low impacts. Flat terrain means blowing snow can be a factor. Schools close roughly 3–7 times per year.
Kansas City, Lee's Summit, Independence, and the surrounding suburbs. The second-largest student concentration in the state. Both snow and ice storms affect the region. Schools close roughly 2–5 times per year.
Columbia, Jefferson City, and the central belt along I-70. Colorado lows tracking northeast often deliver the heaviest single-event totals here. Schools close roughly 2–5 times per year. Ice storms can be particularly impactful in the transition zone between rain and snow.
St. Louis, St. Charles, O'Fallon, and Cape Girardeau. The largest student concentration in the state. The rain/ice/snow line frequently passes through eastern Missouri during winter storms. Schools close roughly 2–4 times per year.
Springfield, Joplin, and the Ozark Plateau. Less total snow than the north, but ice storms are a major threat — the Ozarks sit in one of the most ice-storm-prone corridors in the nation. Schools close roughly 2–4 times per year, with ice often causing longer closures than snow.
Major School Districts in Missouri
Notable Winter Storms
A catastrophic ice storm devastated the Ozarks and central Missouri, followed by heavy snow. Over 330,000 customers lost power, some for weeks. Schools in the hardest-hit areas closed for 1–2 weeks. The event remains one of the most devastating winter weather events in Missouri history.
A major blizzard struck northern and central Missouri. Kansas City received over 9 inches and Columbia over 16. Schools across the northern two-thirds of the state closed for multiple days.
A powerful blizzard during the holiday brought heavy snow and high winds. Kansas City received over 9 inches and Columbia over 14. Schools already on break delayed their return.
A prolonged winter storm brought a combination of ice and snow across the state. The ice accumulation preceded the snow, making roads treacherous. Schools closed statewide for multiple days, with the Ozarks hit hardest by ice.
Snow Day FAQ
How many snow days does Missouri get per year?
Northern Missouri averages roughly 3–7 closure days. Kansas City and the I-70 corridor see 2–5. St. Louis averages 2–4. The Ozarks close 2–4 times, but ice storms can extend closures longer than snow events.
Will school be closed tomorrow in Missouri?
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 Missouri?
Most Missouri districts close for 2–3 inches of forecast snow. Ice is an independent trigger — any significant freezing rain accumulation prompts closures. The rain/ice/snow line often splits through the state during winter storms, creating a patchwork of conditions and closure decisions.
Does Missouri use virtual snow days?
Missouri allows Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI). Districts with an approved AMI plan can avoid making up up to 36 hours of lost instructional time due to exceptional or emergency circumstances by delivering instruction remotely instead.
Why are ice storms such a big deal in Missouri?
Missouri — particularly the Ozarks — sits in one of the most ice-storm-prone corridors in the United States. When warm, moist Gulf air overrides cold surface air, prolonged freezing rain can coat roads, power lines, and trees with an inch or more of ice. The 2007 ice storm left over 300,000 customers without power for up to two weeks and caused more disruption than any snowstorm in the state's recent history.