Day 1 School Closing Outlook
Valid: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Issued: Monday, January 20, 2025 5:30 PM
Summary:
The latest update to the Tuesday School Closing Outlook shows increased confidence in significant weather impacts across much of West Michigan, particularly west of US-131. This update reflects an elevated outlook for school closures across several areas, with widespread impacts expected due to heavy snowfall, blowing snow, and dangerously cold wind chills.
Discussion:
For Day 1 (Tuesday, January 21, 2025), the region west of US-131 is expected to experience severe weather impacts due to the ongoing winter storm system. These conditions will significantly increase the likelihood of widespread school closures, particularly in areas marked with high probabilities in the forecast graphic.
Snowfall:
Snowfall totals through Monday evening into early Tuesday morning are forecasted to range between 5-7 inches across much of the region along and West of US-131, including Muskegon, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo, with localized higher amounts closer to 10+ inches. Heavy snow will also cause a widespread 2-6 inches South of I-96 and West of US-127. This heavy snowfall will contribute to dangerous travel conditions
Blowing Snow & Reduced Visibilities:
Strong winds will create extensive blowing and drifting snow during the evening and overnight hours, significantly reducing visibilities. Drivers can expect whiteout conditions with visibilities falling below ¼ mile at times, especially in rural and open areas.
Temperature & Wind Chill: Cold temperatures combined with strong winds will result in dangerous wind chill values ranging from -5°F to -20°F by Tuesday morning. These conditions will create additional challenges for students commuting to school and for bus transportation. These temperatures are approaching the lowest allowable temperature that school can be in session for many district's policies.
Summary: Given the expected heavy snow accumulations, blowing snow reducing visibility, and dangerously cold wind chills, the Day 1 outlook supports a high likelihood (>70%) of school closures for most districts west of US-131, with an even higher probability (>91%) in areas such as Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo. This combination of factors strongly suggests that schools across the western portions of the coverage area will likely announce closures for Tuesday.
Day 2 School Closing Outlook
Valid: Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Issued: Monday, January 20 2025 5:30 PM
Summary:
Additional snow days are forecasted on Wednesday due to additional lake-effect snow along the lakeshore, continued areas of blowing and drifting snow, and even colder temperatures and wind chills.
West Michigan Weather spends a lot of time making these snow day predictions. It is our goal to make all of our pertinent forecasts available to everyone. However, because this is a Day 2 Prediction and not a Day 1 Prediction and we consider this a premium benefit for those who do support us, we do ask that you help support us by donating to our organization if you are able!
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The Day 1 Snow Day prediction will be available to everyone tomorrow afternoon!