Texas isn’t the first place that comes to mind when thinking of snow, but it does experience snowfall in certain areas.
On average, northern parts of Texas, such as Amarillo, see about 17.2 inches of snow each year. Meanwhile, regions further south like Dallas/Fort Worth get significantly less, sometimes just a few inches per year.
Snow in Texas is heavily influenced by its diverse geography. The farther north you go, the higher the likelihood of snow, especially in cities like Amarillo or Lubbock.
Even some southern spots occasionally see snow, like in Big Bend National Park, where the mountain peaks can be covered in snow during winter months.
Climate change is also affecting weather patterns, making snowfall more unpredictable.
Winters can vary greatly, with some years getting hardly any snow while others experience significant snowfall events.
For tourists and locals alike, knowing where and when to expect snow can help plan better winter activities in the state of Texas.
Historical and Seasonal Snow Patterns in Texas
Texas shows a range of snow patterns due to its diverse climate. Historical data reveals varying snowfall amounts across different cities, with significant events sometimes impacting areas that rarely see snow.
Average Snowfall Across Texas Cities
Various cities in Texas have different snowfall averages.
According to the National Weather Service, Dallas/Fort Worth averages minimal snow annually, often less than 1 inch.
Amarillo, located in the Texas Panhandle, sees more snowfall, averaging around 17.8 inches per year. In contrast, cities like Austin and Houston rarely experience snow, often noting less than 0.1 inches annually.
El Paso, situated in West Texas, records an average of 4.9 inches per year. Lubbock’s average snowfall is around 7 inches, while Central Texas cities like San Antonio often only see snow once in a decade.
Seasonal Snowfall: Winter and Spring
Snowfall in Texas predominantly occurs during the winter months, especially in December, January, and February.
Northern cities like Amarillo and Lubbock experience most of their snow from December through February. Fort Worth and Dallas report the most snow in January.
Spring snowfall, while rarer, can still happen, particularly in the Texas Panhandle.
For instance, March occasionally records residual snow events, impacting travel and daily life.
Weather patterns reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirm that snowfall beyond February is atypical but not impossible.
Notable Snow Events in Texas History
Texas has experienced several notable snow events.
One of the most remarkable was the 1960 snowstorm, which blanketed much of Central and West Texas.
In December 1983, Dallas/Fort Worth saw a historic snowfall, recording over 6 inches.
Amarillo noted a major snow event in February 2013, with accumulations exceeding 19 inches in just a few days.
The storm in February 2021 was unprecedented, bringing significant snow and ice across the state, from Dallas and Fort Worth down to Austin and Houston, leading to widespread power outages and affecting millions.
These events indicate the unpredictable nature of Texas weather and its occasional capability to produce severe snowstorms.
Geographic Influence and Snowfall Variability
Texas experiences varied snowfall due to several factors. These include mountainous regions, the Gulf of Mexico’s influence, and the unique weather patterns in the Texas Panhandle.
Mountainous Regions and Snowfall
Mountainous areas in Texas, like the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Big Bend National Park, receive more snow than other regions.
For example, Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, often has significant snowfall each year. The elevation in these areas leads to cooler temperatures, which are more conducive to snow.
The Chisos Mountains in Big Bend and the Franklin Mountains in El Paso also see higher snowfall.
These regions’ higher altitudes result in more snow during winter storms, compared to lower elevation areas such as Central Texas.
Effect of Gulf Air and Jet Stream on Snowfall
The Gulf of Mexico significantly impacts snowfall in Texas.
Warm, moist air from the Gulf often moves inland, which can affect winter weather patterns.
When this moist air meets cold fronts, it can lead to snowfall, especially in Southeastern and Central Texas.
The Jet Stream and Arctic Oscillation also influence Texas’s snowfall.
Shifts in the Jet Stream can bring cold Arctic air down to Texas, increasing the chances of snow.
During El Niño winters, the state often sees more moisture and, potentially, more snowfall, while La Niña years typically bring drier conditions.
Texas Panhandle and Snow Incidence
The Texas Panhandle has the highest annual snowfall in the state. Locations like Amarillo can receive up to 17 inches of snow per year.
The Panhandle’s flat terrain and proximity to cold fronts moving from the north make it a prime area for snow.
Compared to West Texas and Central Texas, the Panhandle’s higher elevation and location contribute to more frequent snowfalls.
While Southern Texas rarely sees snow, the Panhandle’s weather patterns and geographical location lead to higher snowfall totals, making it a unique region within the state for winter weather.