Weather forecast in Hawaii calls for 3-5 inches of snow on Big Island summits

USA Today

17-04-2025

Weather forecast in Hawaii calls for 3-5 inches of snow on Big Island summits The forecast calls for snow at the highest summits of the Big Island, where snow occurs several times per year, especially from October through April.
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The weather forecast for April 18 calls for highs in the 90s in Texas, a sunny day in New York ... and snow in Hawaii?
Indeed, though it's only at the highest summits of the Big Island, this forecast isn't one that meteorologists at the National Weather Service office in Honolulu make every day:
"Snow expected. Total snow accumulations 3 to 5 inches."
National Weather Service forecaster Tom Birchard told USA TODAY that, on average, it might snow at the summits some 5-8 times a year, so it's "not that unusual" overall.
"Mauna Kea means white mountain in Hawaiian," he said, indicating that snow is a regular occurrence at the peaks.
But most of the snow occurs during the "wet season," which lasts roughly from October through April, putting this spring event at the edge of the snowy season.
What's the forecast in Hawaii?
A weather service forecast for Hawaii dated early on April 17 said, "a slow-moving, upper-level trough will move through the islands today through Friday, bringing periods of snow to the Big Island summits."
(A trough is an area of low pressure that typically brings inclement weather.)
"Travel could be very difficult," the weather service said. "Blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility at times, with periods of zero visibility," the forecast said.
A winter weather advisory was put in place for the summits: "A winter weather advisory means that periods of snow, sleet, or freezing rain will cause travel difficulties. Be prepared for slippery roads and limited visibilities and use caution while driving."
Fear not, however, folks at lower elevations are enjoying more tropical temperatures: The high April 17 in Honolulu was forecast to be 81 degrees, though plenty of rain will make for a damp, gray day.
Why does it snow in Hawaii?
Mauna Kea, a volcano on the Big Island with sub-Arctic climate, sometimes sees blizzards, ice, and snow, mainly in the winter. Its fellow peak Mauna Loa also sees similar cold conditions.
With summits of 13,792 feet for Mauna Kea and 13,674 feet for Mauna Loa, it's not unusual to get snowfall during cold times of the year. The peak of Mauna Kea – the highest point in the state – is a few hundred feet lower than that of Mt. Rainier in Washington.
In fact, the coldest temperature ever recorded in Hawaii was 12 degrees on Mauna Kea on May 17, 1979, the weather service said.
The only other area of Hawaii that gets snow with any regularity is the Haleakalā volcano on Maui.