How the Snow Day Calculator Works 🌨️

Think of it like a point-based scoring system that mimics how school administrators actually decide to cancel school:

🎯 The Scoring System

The calculator asks you 5 key questions and gives points based on your answers:

1. Snow Amount (Most Important Factor)

• No snow = 0 points
• Light dusting = 2 points
• 1-3 inches = 5 points
• 3-6 inches = 8 points
• 6-10 inches = 12 points
• 10+ inches = 15 points

2. Temperature

• Below 20°F = +8 bonus points (ice makes everything dangerous)
• Below 32°F = +4 points (snow sticks better)
• Above 35°F = -5 points (snow melts, less dangerous)

3. Wind Conditions

• Calm = 0 points
• Light breeze = 3 points
• Moderate wind = 6 points
• Strong wind = 10 points (creates whiteout conditions)

4. Timing (When It Snows)

• After school = 1 point (roads clear by morning)
• Evening/overnight = 5 points (some cleanup time)
• Early morning = 8 points (rush hour + school start)
• During school = 2 points (kids already at school)

5. Your Region

• Northeast = 8 points (used to snow, good equipment)
• Southwest = 3 points (rare snow = panic mode)
• Southeast = 4 points (not prepared for snow)
• And so on…

🧮 The Math

1. Add up all your points (maximum around 45 points)
2. Convert to percentage: Your score ÷ 45 × 100
3. Add randomness: ±4% to make it more realistic
4. Set limits: Never below 2% or above 98%

📊 What the Results Mean

• 70%+ = High Chance 🎉 “Start planning your snow day!”
• 40-69% = Maybe 🤔 “Keep your homework ready just in case”
• Below 40% = Low Chance 😢 “You’ll probably have school”

🎪 The “Magic” Behind It

It’s basically mimicking what school superintendents consider:

• Safety first: Deep snow + ice + wind = dangerous
• Timing matters: Snow during rush hour is worse
• Regional preparation: Some areas handle snow better
• Temperature: Cold = ice = more dangerous

🎭 Why It Feels “Real”

• Uses actual weather factors schools consider
• Adds slight randomness (like real-world variables)
• Weighted scoring puts more emphasis on dangerous conditions
• Regional differences reflect real preparedness levels

Bottom Line: It’s a fun, simplified version of the complex decision-making process school officials use, turned into an entertaining percentage that kids (and parents) can get excited about! 🌨️

The calculator doesn’t predict the future – it just takes your weather info and runs it through a formula that mimics real snow day decision-making!