Weather-related Cancellation

A weather-related cancellation or delay is closure, cancellation, or delay of an institution, operation, or event as a result of inclement weather. Certain institutions, such as schools, are likely to close when bad weather, such as snow, flooding, tropical cyclones or extreme heat or cold impairs travel, causes power outages, or otherwise impedes public safety or makes opening the facility impossible or more difficult. Depending upon the local climate, the chances of a school or school system closing may vary. While some regions may close or delay schools when there is any question of safety, others located in areas where bad weather is a regular occurrence may remain open, as local people may be accustomed to travelling under such conditions.

Many countries and smaller jurisdictions have mandates for a minimum number of school days in a year. In order to meet these requirements, many public school systems and private schools that can expect to be closed sometimes during the year by inclement weather will often build a few extra days into their calendar for snow closures. If by the end of the year, these days are not used, some schools may give their students days off. If all snow days are exhausted, and inclement weather requires more closures, the days must be made up later in the year.