Des Moines, IA Snow Day Calculator
Check if school will be cancelled in Des Moines tomorrow.
Powered by NOAA / National Weather ServicePowered by NOAA / National Weather ServiceCheck if school will be cancelled in Des Moines tomorrow.
Powered by NOAA / National Weather ServiceContinental climate with persistent cold and blowing snow across flat terrain. Iowa averages about 35 inches of snow per year, making Des Moines familiar with winter weather disruptions.
Iowa schools watch wind chill closely — many districts close when wind chill drops below -25°F regardless of snowfall.
Enter your school type above for a prediction tailored to Des Moines-area districts. For the most accurate result, check back the evening before a potential snow day.
Our calculator pulls real-time weather forecast data for the Des Moines, Iowa area and analyzes several factors that influence school closure decisions: expected snowfall accumulation and intensity, ice and freezing rain probability, wind chill and air temperature, timing of the storm relative to the morning commute, forecast confidence, and overall road condition forecasts. In addition to closure probability, we also predict the chance of a 2-hour delay and early dismissal.
Different school types have different closure thresholds. Public schools in the Des Moines area typically follow district-wide decisions that account for bus route safety across a wide geographic area. Private and charter schools often make independent decisions and may close at slightly lower thresholds. Colleges and universities rarely cancel classes for snow unless conditions are severe, and typically do not issue 2-hour delays.
For the best results, check the calculator after 6 PM the evening before a potential snow day. Weather models are most accurate within a 12 to 24 hour window, and most school districts make their closure announcements between 5 AM and 6 AM the morning of the event. Our prediction reflects the latest available forecast data each time you load the page.