School Closing Outlooks For Thursday 01/22/2026 and Friday 01/23/2026
- Jonah Drake (Owner & Co-Founder)
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Day 1 School Closing Outlook
Forecast Valid: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Forecast Issued: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 3:46 PM
Forecasters: Jonah Drake & Jacob Melton
Summary:
There is a “Medium” risk (level 3/6) of school closures and/or early dismissals on Thursday as a result of additional snow accumulations, gusty winds, and blowing/drifting snow.
Discussion:
The forecast for this particular outlook has become a bit more complicated over the last 24 hours or so. There is a Winter Weather Advisory in effect for areas along and west of US-131 through 7:00 PM tomorrow.
The main contributing factor to the decrease in overall risk levels with this forecast is that computer weather model guidance suggests that most of the impactful winter weather will probably hold off until after the morning school commute and road conditions across much of the area this afternoon, while not perfect, have improved quite significantly providing that due caution is excercised on the remaining slush and icy spots.
Now, with that said, we do still expect to see some snow overnight with a generalized 1-3 inches expected for areas along and west of US-131, with a pocket of locally higher amounts possible between Allegan and Kalamazoo.
The vast majority of the higher snowfall rates, totals, and the gustier winds are expected to hold off until during, or even just after, the morning school commute. Have opted to remove the “Elevated” risk from yesterday’s “Day 2 Outlook” and leave only a small “Medium” risk delineation near Allegan and Kalamazoo, where the aforementioned pocket of higher totals may set up.
Have blanketed much of the rest of the area in “Limited” probabilities, with an emphasis on the idea that we believe schools will be in session for the most part tomorrow morning and that most schools, if they decide to take any action at all, would probably opt for early dismissals rather than closings.
Graphical Forecast:
Day 2 School Closing Outlook
Forecast Valid: Friday, January 23, 2026
Forecast Issued: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 4:06 PM EST
Forecasters: Jonah Drake
Special Note:
West Michigan Weather spends a lot of time making these School Closing Outlooks. It is our goal to make all of our pertinent forecasts available to everyone. However, because this is a “Day 2 Outlook” or a "Day 3 Outlook," and not a "Day 1 Outlook," 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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An updated version of this Outlook will be available in the Day 1 School Closing Outlook, which will be available to everyone in the evening hours of the day after tomorrow!
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