Rarely does it snow in all fifty US states, but this year is already proving to be exceptional.
After a large belt of arctic air blasted the United States this past week, records were broken, including snowfall in places that almost never receive snow.
From parts of Florida to New Orleans, states that rarely if ever see snow have gotten surprise blankets of it this season.
Even Hawaii’s Big Island, at elevation, has seen snowfall this year.
Such a phenomenon is incredibly rare, requiring a perfect blend of unusual weather patterns. Arctic air pushed farther south than usual, blanketing areas unaccustomed to winter weather.
The last time it snowed in all fifty US states was in 2010.
For many, the event has been a source of wonder, with snowball fights in places that usually see sunshine year-round.
It’s also been a challenge, as states unprepared for icy conditions scramble to manage the unexpected weather.
