Houston: Where the Sun Shines (Almost Always) and the Snowflakes Occasionally Fly
Houston, Texas. Home to rodeos, ridiculously good barbecue, and weather that can make your head spin. We're talking scorching summers that'll make you wish you were born a lizard, and winters so mild, most of us wouldn't recognize a snowflake if it slapped us in the face. But hey, even sunshine states get a surprise snow day every now and then, right? That's where things get interesting.
The Great Houston Snowpocalypse (Not Really, But It Sounds Dramatic)
Believe it or not, Houston has seen its fair share of snowfall throughout history. Now, we're not talking blizzards that bury cars or anything that would make a Minnesotan scoff. But a dusting here, a flurry there – enough to cause a minor meltdown (because let's be honest, most of us wouldn't know what to do with a snowball).
So, when did these magical moments of winter wonderland grace the H-Town skyline? Buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey through Houston's not-so-extensive history of snowflakes.
The Early Birds (and the Really Late Ones):
- 1895: Apparently, someone forgot to tell Houston it was in Texas. This year saw a whopping 20 inches of snow blanket the city. Talk about a history-making blizzard!
- 1932: Hold my metaphorical beer (or sweet tea, as the case may be). March 10th of this year saw the latest recorded snowfall in Houston. We're talking about defying the odds and bringing winter vibes to spring break!
The More Common Snow Sprinkles:
Fast forward a bit, and Houston settled into a more predictable (for it, anyway) pattern. Snowfall became a rare visitor, with sightings in:
- 1940: 3 inches of snow – enough for a mini-snowman competition, maybe?
- 1960: The second-biggest snowfall (measly 4.4 inches compared to 1895, but hey, baby steps)
- 1973 and the 1980s: These decades saw a flurry of snow activity (pun intended) with multiple snowfalls, though none exceeding 2 inches.
Modern Day Houston: Keeping it Chill (Literally)
The 21st century hasn't brought much snow to Houston. We did have a record-breaking snowfall in 2009 (a whole inch!) on December 4th. But then, there was 2018, which decided to break a different record. Trace amounts of snow fell on November 13th, making it the earliest recorded snowfall ever. Basically, Houston's snow game is unpredictable, to say the least.
So, will it snow in Houston this year? Only Mother Nature knows. But hey, if it does, you can be sure Houstonians will be out there in shorts and flip-flops, trying to build a snowman and failing miserably. Because that's just how we roll in H-Town. Sunshine or snowflakes, we'll find a way to make it fun (and slightly chaotic).
