Spring is in the air and so is… snow? Just because spring or summer starts doesn’t mean the snow comes to an end.
So, how far into the year can snow fall across the U.S.? Let’s take a look.
April
It’s not a surprise that we still see snow in April. Many areas across the northern half of the U.S. can still get winter-like temperatures that help with snow.
New York City usually sees its average last snowfall around March 16, but in 1983, the weather had other plans when the city saw its latest snowfall on April 29, 1874.
Raleigh, North Carolina saw 1.8 inches of snow on April 18, 1983, while their average last snow usually occurs around March 1.
It’s not uncommon for Cleveland, Ohio to get snowfall late in spring, like this Easter snow in 2007 that dumped over 2 feet of snow on the city. Courtesy: AP/Tony Dejak
May
Now that we’re getting into May, you might be thinking, “Really? Shouldn’t it be warm in the middle of spring?”
The answer is always yes, but many places can still get cold temperatures and snow, and we’re not just talking about cities that are in higher elevations.
Big cities like Cleveland, Ohio average their last snowfall around April 7, but their latest snow fell on May 10 in 1907.
Cleveland, Ohio had the most snowfall on any day in May on May 7, 1989, when 0.8 inches fell.
Louisville, Kentucky saw its last measurable snow at the beginning of May in 1898 when 1 inch fell on the 6th. But a trace amount of snow fell on May 20, 1894.
Even areas as south as Amarillo, Texas can see snow in May! Their latest snow on record occurred on May 4, 1935. Talk about how May showers don’t bring May flowers.
Snow lasts well into spring and summer in Tahoe City, California. Courtesy: AP/Rich Pedroncelli
June and July
No, we’re not joking. Snow can fall as late as June and July when we expect everyone to have fun on a slip and slide or in the sprinklers.
However, most of it does happen in areas in the West and higher elevations.
Tahoe City, California saw its latest snowfall happen on June 16 in 1995. This allowed their ski resort to stay open until the Fourth of July.
Denver, Colorado had snow fall as late as June 2 in 1951.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon takes the medal for the latest snowfall when they recorded snow on July 10, 1974!
Oh, and guess what? Many of these places see the first snow of the new season start in August, only 1 or 2 months after their last snowfall!
More Snow to Come?
So no, we’re most likely not done with the snow just yet.
If you’re a snow fanatic, keep some of these places in mind if you want to see snow through the entire year.
