Hawaii’s highest peak is covered in snow after the tropical hotspot was hit by a rare cold snap.
Social media was flooded with images of the Mauna Kea volcano as it was covered in a thick layer of snow this week.
Residents more accustomed to sunny days at the beach and holiday weather have instead had to deal with strict travel restrictions and icy roads.
Meteorologists say Hawaii’s winter landscape is the result of freezing temperatures blowing in from the ocean and meeting moisture in the air.
Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s highest peak, is covered in snow after the tropical hotspot was hit by a rare cold snap
Roads are closed and travel restrictions are in place for those near the summit
Maureen Ballard, a senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Honolulu, told the Associated Press that an “upper-level disturbance” in the atmosphere was bringing cold temperatures toward Hawaii.
She said moisture was coming from the east at the same time, and a “combination of cold temperatures and moisture equals snow when it’s below freezing.”
NWS meteorologist Liam Tsamous told Newsweek it is not yet known how much snow has fallen on high peaks. This is mainly because there are no observation stations in those areas, he explained.
However, he said up to 4 inches of rain fell on low-lying areas, meaning Hawaii is now entering its “wet season,” which will last until April.
Meteorologists said Hawaii’s winter landscape is the result of freezing temperatures blowing in from the ocean and meeting moisture in the air
Snowfall in winter is not unusual for the top of the mountain
The most stunning images of Hawaii’s snowfall came at Mauna Kea volcano, Hawaii’s highest mountain at nearly 13,000 feet above sea level.
It is the highest peak in the world, even taller than Mount Everest if you measure it from its base, which extends almost 6,000 meters below sea level.
The volcano is known to even be under blizzard warnings during the winter months due to its height.
Although Tsamous did not comment on whether Mauna Kea is currently covered in snow, he said the volcano often gets snow in October.
The heavy rain and blowing snow pose a danger to Hawaiians in low-lying areas, according to the NWS forecast when snow fell early this week.
“A low near the Hawaiian Islands will create unstable conditions in a very humid atmosphere,” the forecast said.
The last time Hawaii was hit by snow was in early December 2023, seen last year at the summit area of the Mauna Kea volcano
The summit area of Mauna Kea volcano seen on October 27, 2024
‘This will result in periods of moderate to locally heavy showers. Rain falling on already saturated ground can quickly lead to runoff and flash flooding issues.”
The last time Hawaii was hit by snow was in early December 2023.
At the time, snow was seen at the top of the Big Island’s tallest mountains, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, both of which tower nearly 13,000 feet above sea level.
In total, about two inches of snow were recorded.