Map Shows Earliest Snow Dates in US as 11 Inches to Hit Alaska
The forecast might have some Americans wondering when the earliest measurable snowfall has happened in each state.
A winter weather advisory has been issued for parts of Alaska, predicting up to 11 inches of snow. This comes roughly a week after fall officially began, with much of the country still enjoying warm weather. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data shows that some states have already experienced their earliest snowfall of the season as early as September or October.
In Alaska, the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Fairbanks issued a winter weather advisory for Donnelly Dome, Trims Camp and parts of the Richardson Highway. Forecasters warn that between 6 and 11 inches of snow could fall, potentially making travel hazardous due to slick roads and bridges.
Four other states are under freeze warnings and frost advisories for overnight Thursday into Friday morning, as temperatures drop into the low 30s in the Upper Midwest and Colorado. The NWS offices in North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Colorado have issued these warnings, as frost and freeze conditions could damage crops and outdoor plumbing.
While early snowfall does not indicate a typical pattern, it serves as a reminder that winter is approaching. According to NOAA data, the earliest measurable snowfall in many states occurs in September, with some states seeing snow as early as November. However, the average first snowfall dates are in October or November, with only Alaska, Montana and Idaho typically seeing snow in September.
Experts advise staying weather-aware, checking local forecasts before traveling, and allowing extra time to navigate safely as winter weather advisories and cold temperature alerts are expected to increase in the coming weeks.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
