About PocketNum

PocketNum started with a question every student in a snowy state asks each winter: "Do you think we'll have school tomorrow?" We built a free tool that answers it with real data instead of guesswork.

How It Works

When you enter a ZIP code, the calculator finds your town and loads its forecast for tomorrow from Open-Meteo, a free weather service that blends data from national weather agencies. We then score the forecast the same way a school superintendent would:

• Snowfall — the single biggest factor. Six or more inches before the morning bus run closes most schools.
• Ice risk — precipitation falling while temperatures hover near 32°F can glaze roads and is often more dangerous than snow.
• Temperature — extreme cold keeps snow from melting, makes road salt less effective and can stall bus fleets.
• Wind — strong wind with snow creates whiteouts and drifts that keep roads closed even after plows pass.
• Your school — public districts, private schools and colleges close at different rates, and districts that have already used their built-in snow days become more hesitant to call another one.

The result is a percentage with the reasoning shown — no black box, no magic.

What This Tool Is (and Isn't)

PocketNum is an estimate for planning and fun. It cannot know your district's exact bus routes, road crew capacity or your superintendent's judgment call at 5 AM. Always check your school or district's official website, app or local news for the final decision.

Our Data

Location data comes from the Zippopotam.us ZIP code service and weather data from Open-Meteo. Forecasts update through the day, so checking in the evening and again in the morning gives the most reliable reading.

Questions or ideas? Visit our contact page — we read everything.