Winter Wonder In The Texas Panhandle: Snowfall Insights

Texas is not typically associated with snow, but the state does have several high-altitude areas that receive snowfall during winter. The Texas Panhandle, in particular, experiences snowy winters. The amount of snow varies across the state, with Amarillo receiving an average of 17.9 inches annually, while Austin gets around 0.3 inches per year. The Texas Panhandle's higher elevation keeps temperatures cooler, allowing snow to fall over a more extended period. The state's average annual snowfall is 0.1 inches, and snow usually melts within a week.

Amarillo, the state's northernmost city, gets the most snow

Amarillo, the northernmost city in Texas, gets the most snow in the state. The city sits at an elevation of about 3700 feet above sea level, which is much higher than cities in the east like Oklahoma City, which sits at only 1300 feet. This higher elevation keeps temperatures cooler and allows snow to fall over a more extended period of the year. Amarillo averages 17.2 to 17.9 inches of snow annually, with the average date of the first inch of snowfall in a season being December 5.

Snow in Amarillo can occur as early as September, with the earliest measurable snowfall on record being September 29, 1984, when 0.3 inches of snow were recorded. However, the snow usually melts as it falls during this month and does not accumulate. The first inch of snow falls by November 30 about 40% of the time, and it occurs after January 1 only about 23% of the time.

The latest measurable snowfall in Amarillo occurred on May 5-6, 1917, when 9.1 inches of snow fell. More recently, on May 2-3, 2005, 4.7 inches of snow were recorded in the city.

On rare occasions, Amarillo has experienced heavy snowstorms in October, which is uncommon for that time of year. On October 24, 2019, a rare October snowstorm blanketed the Texas Panhandle, causing near whiteout conditions in Amarillo, according to the National Weather Service.

The average annual snowfall in Amarillo is 17.8-17.9 inches

The Texas Panhandle is known for its cold winters and heavy snowfall. The city of Amarillo, located in the Texas Panhandle, experiences significantly more snowfall than other regions in Texas. On average, Amarillo receives approximately 17.8 to 17.9 inches of snow per year. This makes it one of the snowiest places in the state.

The amount of snowfall in Amarillo can vary from year to year. For instance, in 2024, Amarillo received 7.8 inches of snow as of August 14. In contrast, the snowiest year on record was 1983, when the city was blanketed by 46.7 inches of snow.

The elevation of Amarillo contributes to its higher snowfall totals. Sitting at about 3,700 feet above sea level, the city's higher terrain allows snow to fall during a wider range of months. Amarillo's first snowfall of the season usually occurs around December 5, but it has happened as early as October 8. The latest measurable snowfall in Amarillo took place on May 5-6, 1917, when 9.1 inches of snow accumulated.

While Amarillo typically experiences a couple of heavy snowfalls each year, the snow usually melts within a few days. These heavier snowfalls often create near-blizzard conditions and occur once every five years on average, lasting for two to three days.

In addition to ample snowfall, Amarillo also boasts low humidity, with averages occasionally dropping below 15% in the spring. This low humidity helps to moderate the effects of high summer temperatures, making the city a pleasant place to live and visit throughout the year.

Snow in the Texas Panhandle is caused by higher terrain

The Texas Panhandle experiences much more snowfall than areas further to the east, and this is largely due to its higher terrain. Amarillo, in the Texas Panhandle, sits at about 3700 feet above sea level, whereas Oklahoma City, further to the east, is only about 1300 feet above sea level. This higher elevation in the Texas Panhandle plays a crucial role in the region's snowfall patterns.

Firstly, the higher terrain contributes to cooler temperatures. The elevated areas tend to be colder, allowing snow to fall over a more extended period of the year. While snow is rare in the summer months, the higher terrain can experience snowfall as early as September or as late as May. For instance, Amarillo recorded 0.3 inches of snowfall on September 29, 1984, and 9.1 inches of snow on May 5-6, 1917.

Secondly, the availability of colder air at higher elevations directly influences snowfall amounts. Generally, the Llano Estacado region, located west of the Caprock Escarpment, experiences greater snowfall than areas to the east due to the colder air at its higher elevation. However, other factors, such as moisture availability, also come into play. Areas farther east tend to be more moist, and when sufficient cold air is present, they can produce significant snowfall totals.

The interaction of these factors results in the Texas Panhandle receiving, on average, more snowfall than its eastern counterparts. Amarillo, for example, averages 17.9 inches of snow annually. The higher terrain creates the conditions necessary for snowfall, making it a key factor in the winter weather patterns of the region.

The Texas Panhandle gets more snow than other parts of the state

Amarillo averages 17.2 to 17.9 inches of snow annually, with the latest measurable snowfall occurring on May 5-6, 1917, when 9.1 inches fell. In comparison, other cities in Texas, like Austin, receive 0 inches of snow on average per year, and even when it does snow, it rarely lasts for more than a day.

The Texas Panhandle's colder winters can be attributed to its distance from the Gulf of Mexico, which brings colder wintertime Arctic blasts that can cause temperatures to plunge well below freezing and bring snowy conditions. The region also experiences more clear days during the summer, which can contribute to cooler temperatures overall.

In addition to Amarillo, other places in the Texas Panhandle that receive more snow than other parts of Texas include Lubbock and El Paso. Lubbock averages about eight inches of snow during the winter season, though this can vary greatly from year to year. El Paso, located near the New Mexico border, typically receives less than four inches of snow, but when it does snow, the winter weather is often beautifully displayed across the city's mountains.

Snow in the Texas Panhandle is rare compared to Northern, Western, and Northeastern states

The Texas Panhandle, located in the northern part of the state, has a different climate compared to other regions in Texas. The region's higher elevation contributes to cooler temperatures, allowing snow to fall during a wider range of months. Amarillo, the most northerly city in Texas, sits at about 3,600 to 3,700 feet above sea level, which is much higher than cities like Oklahoma City. This higher elevation keeps temperatures cooler and facilitates snowfall.

On average, the Texas Panhandle receives more snowfall than areas further to the east. Amarillo, for example, averages 17.2 to 17.9 inches of snow annually. In comparison, cities like San Angelo and Big Spring in Texas receive significantly less snowfall, with averages of 4.9 inches and 2.0 inches, respectively.

While snowfall in the Texas Panhandle is not as common as in Northern, Western, and Northeastern states, it does occur at least once a year in Amarillo. The surrounding months, including October and April, have also seen snow in the past. Forecasting snowfall in the region can be challenging, but forecasts typically predict it at least three days in advance. Whiteout conditions are rare but can occur during winter events like "thundersnows" and other fast-moving weather systems.

In summary, while snow in the Texas Panhandle is not as frequent or severe as in Northern, Western, and Northeastern states, it is still a rare and special occurrence. The higher elevation of the region contributes to cooler temperatures and a wider range of months with snowfall. Amarillo, the northernmost city in Texas, receives the most snowfall in the state, making it a top site to see snow.

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