Weather Blog

The polar vortex has become a common term in winter weather forecasts, but what exactly is it, and how does it impact the likelihood of school closings? In this article, we'll explore the science behind this atmospheric phenomenon and its relationship to major snow events across North America.

Traditional weather forecasting methods have limitations when it comes to predicting school closings. See how our data science team is leveraging machine learning algorithms to analyze historical patterns, improve prediction accuracy, and deliver more reliable snow day forecasts to students and educators nationwide.

Making the call on whether to close schools due to inclement weather is one of the most challenging decisions school administrators face. This comprehensive guide explores the factors that go into these decisions, the timeline for assessment, and how predictive tools can support the process.

It's no secret that what constitutes a snow day varies widely by region. Two inches of snow might shut down schools in Georgia, while schools in Minnesota might remain open during a six-inch snowfall. Our analysis reveals the fascinating regional patterns in snow day declarations and explains how our algorithm adjusts for these differences.

As we approach the next winter season, our meteorology team has analyzed long-range climate patterns, El Niño/La Niña cycles, and historical data to create our preliminary forecast for winter 2025-2026. Discover which regions are likely to see above-average snowfall and increased chances for snow days in the coming winter.

Has the rise of remote learning capabilities spelled the end of traditional snow days? Our research suggests a more nuanced picture. While many districts now have the option to pivot to online learning during severe weather, we're seeing a surprising trend of schools preserving the traditional snow day experience. Explore the data and the rationale behind these decisions.