Parts of the United States could see the first measurable snow of the season this week as a storm reaches parts of the East Coast, developing into a nor’easter.
Some areas of the United States, primarily northern areas and higher elevations, see snow as early as August. In others, the new year may be brought forward – if there is snow.
The Get the Facts Data team created an interactive tool to find out what was the first recorded snowfall in your lifetime and where you live.
The interactive tool uses data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on the first measurable snowfall of the winter season. Traces of snow may have fallen before the first recorded date, but were not counted.
When does the first snow usually occur in the United States?
The highest parts of the Rocky Mountains see the first snow in August or September, according to the Farmers’ Almanac.
The northern Rocky Mountains, Upper Midwest, and northern New England often see the first snowfall in October.
The Great Lakes, Northeast, and Upper Appalachians typically see the first snow in November. The Central Plains, Mid-Atlantic, and Northwest will see the first snow from late November through December.
The Deep South, Gulf Coast, and Southeast and Southwest states see the first snows from December to January, if at all.
What impact will El Niño have on this winter?
With a very strong El Niño active over the Pacific Ocean this year, winter conditions are expected to be affected.
An El Niño event occurs when there is a sea surface temperature anomaly of more than 0.5 degrees Celsius for five consecutive three-month periods. In the United States, its growth is strongest during the winter months.
During an El Niño winter, the northern United States could experience a warmer winter than usual. But in the Southern states, stormier conditions are more likely, along with the chance of additional rain and snow in winter.
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