Texas Snow Day Forecast & School Closings
Texas is a state where winter weather rarely makes the forecast — until it does, and then it dominates the news cycle. The Panhandle around Amarillo averages roughly 15 inches of snow per year, while Houston and San Antonio may go years without any measurable accumulation. The February 2021 Winter Storm Uri exposed how devastating winter weather can be to a state with almost no cold-weather infrastructure, shutting down the entire power grid and closing schools statewide for over a week.
Active Closures & Delays
Sources update throughout the morning. Always confirm with your school district for the latest information.
Texas Recent Snow Days
| Date | Closings | Delays | Other | Most Active County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 20, 2026 | 1 | — | — | Harrison |
| Mar 19, 2026 | 1 | — | — | Harrison |
| Mar 12, 2026 | 1 | — | — | Potter |
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 Texas
Amarillo, Lubbock, and the High Plains. The only part of Texas that sees regular, predictable snowfall. Higher elevation and northern latitude produce genuine winter weather with occasional blizzard conditions. Schools close roughly 2–6 times per year, and ground blizzards with high winds can make the flat terrain treacherous.
El Paso, Midland, and the vast western desert. Modest snowfall at higher elevations, with El Paso seeing occasional dustings. Mountain areas near the Davis Mountains can see more. Schools close roughly 0–2 times per year.
Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, and the surrounding metro. Snow is uncommon but ice storms are a recurring threat — freezing rain on elevated highways can paralyze the region. The massive student population means DFW closure decisions affect hundreds of thousands of families. Schools close roughly 1–3 times per year, often for ice rather than snow.
Austin, Waco, and San Antonio. Measurable snow is rare — these cities may go multiple years between events. When ice storms strike, the hilly terrain and lack of equipment make even thin accumulations hazardous. Schools close roughly 0–2 times per year.
Houston, Corpus Christi, and the Gulf Coast. Snow here is a once-in-a-decade event at most. When it happens, it makes national news and effectively shuts down the entire region. The February 2021 storm was a generational outlier. Schools close 0–1 times per year for winter weather.
Major School Districts in Texas
Notable Winter Storms
The most devastating winter weather event in modern Texas history. Unprecedented cold and snow hit the entire state, collapsing the power grid and leaving millions without electricity or water for days. Schools statewide closed for over a week. DFW received roughly 5 inches, Austin and San Antonio saw 4–7 inches, and Houston saw 3–4 inches with single-digit temperatures — conditions virtually unheard of along the Gulf Coast.
A powerful storm brought near-blizzard conditions to North Texas on Christmas Eve. DFW recorded roughly 3 inches — its first measurable Christmas Eve snowfall on record — while areas northwest of the Metroplex received 6–9 inches. Schools were already on holiday break, but the storm disrupted travel across the region.
A winter storm during Super Bowl week in Dallas brought ice, sleet, and snow across North Texas. DFW received roughly 5 inches, East Texas saw 7–8 inches, and Waco recorded its heaviest snow in nearly 40 years. Schools closed for up to 5 consecutive days, and the storm severely disrupted pre-game festivities.
A devastating ice storm hit North Texas, coating the DFW Metroplex in layers of freezing rain and sleet that persisted for 5 days of sub-freezing temperatures. The event coined the term 'cobblestone ice' for the thick, textured ice sheets that formed on roads. Over 275,000 customers lost power and schools closed for multiple days. The ice, not the modest snow, was the primary hazard.
Snow Day FAQ
How many snow days does Texas get per year?
The Panhandle averages roughly 2–6 closure days. North Texas and DFW close 1–3 times, usually for ice. Central Texas sees 0–2. The Gulf Coast and South Texas may go years between winter weather closures.
Will school be closed tomorrow in Texas?
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 Texas?
Outside the Panhandle, any measurable snow or ice can trigger closures. Texas has almost no plowing equipment south of Amarillo. Ice on elevated highways and overpasses is the most common trigger in DFW. Most districts close preemptively when any freezing precipitation is forecast.
Does Texas use virtual snow days?
Texas allows remote learning at district discretion. Many large districts adopted virtual options after COVID and Winter Storm Uri demonstrated the value. However, Texas rarely loses enough days to winter weather to make virtual snow days a routine concern outside the Panhandle.
When is snow season in Texas?
The Panhandle's snow season runs November through March, similar to northern states. For the rest of Texas, snow is possible from December through February but is genuinely rare. Ice storms can strike North and Central Texas anytime from late November through early March.