Hawaii Snowing: Hawaii’s Mauna Kea, a towering peak rising over 13,800 feet, received a rare dusting of snow on Monday as a winter storm rolled through the region, creating a striking winter scene in a place known for tropical warmth. This recent snowfall coated the Mauna Kea summit in a pristine white blanket, with about 2 inches accumulating as temperatures plummeted under the effects of cold air and incoming moisture, meteorologists reported. Webcams near the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope captured a stunning view of the peak under snow, a sight more often associated with locations far from the Aloha State.

Alan Reppert, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, explained that snow is not uncommon in Hawaii’s highest elevations, with snowfall events typically occurring between October and April. While Hawaii’s lower regions enjoyed milder weather, high elevations on Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa faced the full impact of the winter storm, including freezing temperatures and snow accumulation, causing summit roads and areas like Mauna Loa Summit Cabin to close temporarily due to hazardous driving conditions.

Hawaii’s National Weather Service had issued winter weather advisories for the summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa as the storm approached, citing “deep moisture” and periods of snow and rain expected through Monday. The snow provided a rare glimpse of winter in Hawaii, with local residents and visitors captivated by the unique transformation.

Hawaii’s mountainous peaks, often experiencing winter weather at higher elevations, serve as reminders of the island’s diverse climate zones.