2 cities in South Dakota
About snow days in South Dakota
Northern Great Plains with extreme temperature swings and blizzard potential. South Dakota averages roughly 40 inches of snow per year.
South Dakota schools close for blizzard warnings and ground blizzard conditions. Western SD (Black Hills) gets more snow but closes less often.
How school closure decisions work in South Dakota
School districts in South Dakota consider multiple factors when deciding whether to close, delay, or hold classes on a snow day. Beyond raw snowfall totals, superintendents evaluate ice accumulation on roads and sidewalks, wind chill temperatures that affect students waiting at bus stops, the timing of the storm relative to morning and afternoon commutes, and whether road crews have had enough time to clear primary bus routes.
Most districts make their announcements between 5 AM and 6 AM on the day of the event, though some issue closures the evening before when a major storm is certain. Public school decisions are typically made at the district level, while private and charter schools often decide independently. Two-hour delays are common when conditions are expected to improve by mid-morning.
Select a city above to check tomorrow's school closure probability using current weather forecast data for that area. For the most accurate prediction, check after 6 PM the evening before a potential snow day, when weather models are most reliable.