Early snowfalls often surprise residents, bringing winter conditions long before the season officially begins. In some areas, record-breaking early snowfalls have amazed and even shocked communities with their unexpected arrival. Here’s a look at five instances where snow made an exceptionally early debut around the world.
- Calgary, Canada – September 8, 2014
Calgary is no stranger to early snow, but 2014’s September snowfall was remarkable. Just after Labor Day, temperatures plummeted, and the city saw up to 8 inches of snow. The unexpected storm brought down tree branches, caused power outages, and signaled the beginning of winter far earlier than expected.
- Denver, USA – September 3, 1961
Denver holds the record for one of the earliest snowfalls in U.S. history. On September 3, 1961, the city saw snow only a few days after August. The early snowstorm came as a surprise, covering the city in white and setting a new standard for early-season snowfall in the region.
- Switzerland – August 31, 2012
Snowfall in the Swiss Alps can happen almost any time, but in 2012, a major storm brought snow as low as 1,200 meters (about 4,000 feet) on August 31. Tourists were surprised to find ski resorts opening for a brief period as snow blanketed the mountains in a rare August freeze.
- Argentina – July 9, 2007
In Buenos Aires, snowfall is rare even in winter. But in July 2007, an unusual cold front brought snow to the city for the first time in nearly 90 years. The snow fell on Argentina’s Independence Day, creating a memorable and historic event for the capital’s residents.
- Australia – October 1, 2017
In early October 2017, the mountainous regions of New South Wales and Victoria in Australia received an unusual snowfall. It was one of the latest season snowfalls, showing that even in warmer regions, snow can arrive early or linger surprisingly late.
These events remind us of nature’s unpredictability, showing how snow can disrupt, surprise, and even delight us at the most unexpected times.