The Great Blizzard of Los Angeles: A Once-in-a-Millennium Event (Probably)
Los Angeles and snow? Those two things seem to go together about as well as flip flops and blizzards. But hey, stranger things have happened, right? We all remember that time sharks were swimming in our swimming pools...okay, maybe that was just a dream. But the point is, could a blanket of white ever grace the City of Angels? Let's dive in (and hopefully not into a frozen pool!).
Does it ever snow in LA?
Technically, yes. Los Angeles County is a big place, and way up in the mountains, where eagles soar and skiers schuss, snow happens. But for those of us down in the sprawling metropolis, where the biggest thrill is spotting a celebrity stuck in traffic, snowfall is a rare and wondrous sight.
Think of it like winning the lottery. You might play every week, but the odds are stacked against you. That being said, there have been a few legendary flurries throughout LA's history. In 1949, parts of the city saw a dusting of snow, and in 2007, even Malibu got a taste of the white stuff. But these events are about as common as finding a decent parking spot downtown – they happen, but you wouldn't bet the house on it.
So, what are your chances of building a snowman in LA?
Honestly, better off building a sandcastle on the beach. Los Angeles just isn't built for snow. Our average winter temperatures hover in the comfortable 50s and 60s, and the coldest it usually gets is in the 40s. Not exactly snowball fight weather.
But hey, if you really want to see snow in LA...
Head up to the mountains! There are plenty of ski resorts within driving distance where you can get your fill of winter fun. Just don't be surprised if you see Angelenos rocking their ski gear with shorts and flip flops underneath – we can't help but cling to a little bit of summer, even when surrounded by snow.
The final verdict?
Snow in LA is about as likely as running into a movie star at your local grocery store (although, depending on where you shop in LA, that might not be as unlikely as you think). It's not impossible, but it's definitely not something you should expect on your next trip. So pack your swimsuit and sunscreen, and leave the snow boots at home!
