Detroit Snow Day Predictor: Will Detroit Schools Close Tomorrow?
Detroit sits on the east side of Michigan, out of reach of most Lake Michigan lake-effect bands, so its snow comes mainly from storm systems crossing the Great Lakes.
Freezing rain and ice are a bigger closure risk here than in west Michigan, and Detroit-area districts also watch for extreme cold on the bus stop.
Forecast data may be out of date. We're working on it; check your local forecast too.
Detroit snow day chances
Detroit, MI
Friday
Unlikely
<1%
chance of a snow day
<1% chance of a delay
Monday
Unlikely
<1%
chance of a snow day
<1% chance of a delay
Overnight snow 0.0"Usually closes at 5"
- No meaningful snow or ice in the forecast for Friday morning.
- Detroit usually needs about 5" to close schools (normal snowfall 36" a year).
Did your school decide for Friday? Tap to report:
Estimate, not official. Check your school district for the final decision.
Updated . Not in Detroit? Enter your own ZIP code above.
How much snow closes school in Detroit?
Detroit gets about 36" of snow in a normal year (NOAA 1991–2020 normals, averaged from 6 nearby stations including Dearborn, Grosse Pointe Farms, Wyandotte). Based on that, our model treats about 5" of overnight snow as the point where a closure becomes a coin flip. Less than half of that rarely closes schools here; one and a half times that usually does.
DetroitOther placesModel estimate from NOAA normal snowfall
Detroit average snowfall by month
Winter weather alerts and forecaster notes for Detroit
No winter storm, ice or cold alerts from the National Weather Service are in effect for Detroit right now.
NWS Detroit/Pontiac MI · Key Messages
- Air becomes sufficiently cold for lake effect rain/snow activation late tonight and Friday morning.
- Minor slushy snow accumulation is likely across the Thumb, mainly near Saginaw Bay and near the Lake Huron shoreline, southward toward the I-69 corridor.
- Rain/snow showers gradually shift offshore Friday night and Saturday with little additional snow accumulation.
Excerpt from the National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac MI Area Forecast Discussion, issued Nov 12, 7:11 PM EST. Read the full discussion.
Detroit 7-day snow forecast
No snow in the 7-day forecast for Detroit right now.
Detroit's biggest snow days last winter (2025–26)
Daily snowfall5" or moreSource: NOAA GHCN-Daily
In the 2025–26 winter, NOAA's Detroit Metro Airport station (25 km from Detroit) recorded39.5" of snow. Its biggest single-day totals:
| Date | Snowfall |
|---|---|
| Wed, Jan 14, 2026 | 5.1" |
| Sun, Jan 25, 2026 | 4.8" |
| Sat, Nov 29, 2025 | 2.9" |
| Wed, Jan 21, 2026 | 2.4" |
| Sun, Nov 9, 2025 | 2.2" |
Source: NOAA GHCN-Daily, station USW00094847.
Detroit school districts: where closings are announced
These districts make the official call for schools around Detroit. Their websites post closings and delays first:
Snow day chances near Detroit
| Place | Distance | Friday | Usually closes at |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dearborn, MI | 7 mi | <1% | 5" |
| Warren, MI | 9 mi | <1% | 4" |
| Royal Oak, MI | 9 mi | <1% | 5" |
| Southfield, MI | 10 mi | <1% | 5" |
| Lincoln Park, MI | 10 mi | <1% | 6" |
| St. Clair Shores, MI | 13 mi | <1% | 4" |
| Taylor, MI | 14 mi | <1% | 6" |
| Livonia, MI | 14 mi | <1% | 5" |
Snow day pages for other cities
Detroit snow day FAQ
Will Detroit schools close tomorrow?
Our current estimate for Detroit is <1% for a snow day and <1% for a delay on Friday, and <1% for a snow day on Monday. No meaningful snow or ice in the forecast for Friday morning. This is an estimate, not an announcement: check your district for the official decision.
How much snow does it take to close schools in Detroit?
Based on Detroit's normal snowfall of about 36 inches a year, our model puts the closing point at about 5" of snow falling overnight. Ice, heavy wet snow, timing during the morning commute and active winter storm warnings can lower that.
How much snow did Detroit get last winter?
NOAA's Detroit Metro Airport station recorded 39.5 inches in the 2025–26 winter. The biggest single day was Jan 14, 2026 with 5.1 inches.
Where do Detroit schools announce snow days?
Each district posts closings and delays on its own website and alert system: Detroit Public Schools Community District, Dearborn Public Schools, Utica Community Schools. Local TV stations also carry closing lists.