Virtual snow days: is a remote day the new snow day?
Some districts now switch to online classes when weather closes buildings. Others keep the classic snow day. Here is how the two differ.
By Petar M., editor · Updated October 18, 2026 · How we research
In this guide (5)
What a virtual snow day is
On a virtual (remote, e-learning) day, school buildings close for weather but classes continue online or with take-home work. The day usually counts toward the school year, so it doesn't have to be made up later.
Why districts use them
- Calendar pressure. States require a minimum number of school days or hours. Every traditional snow day beyond the built-in ones has to be made up, often in June or during breaks.
- Devices at home. Many districts now give students laptops or tablets, which makes a remote day possible.
- Long storms. When several closures in a row would push the calendar too far, a remote day keeps learning going.
Why many districts still choose a real snow day
- Not every family has reliable internet or a free adult at home.
- Power outages from ice storms can make remote learning impossible.
- Some state rules limit how many remote days count, or which ones.
- And many communities simply value the tradition.
Rules differ by state and district. Your district's calendar or handbook says whether it uses remote days and how many.
What it means for the calculator
The calculator estimates the chance that weather closes school buildings or delays the start. It can't know whether your district will call that a snow day or a remote day. If yours uses remote days, read a high closure chance as "a high chance school won't meet in person".
Snow days and make-up days
Most districts build a few emergency days into the calendar. Once those are used, extra closures are usually made up by adding days at the end of the year, shortening breaks, or using remote days where allowed.
Check your district
See tomorrow's chance of a closure or delay for your ZIP code. Open the calculator, or find your state or city.