Winter Wonderland: Uncommon Snowfall on Hawaii's Mauna Kea

Snowfall on Hawaii's Mauna Kea turned it into a winter spectacle. Rising 13,803 feet, Mauna Kea experiences snow in colder months. This week's conditions led to a brief snowy peak, seen by observatories on the mountain, which is a sacred site for Native Hawaiians and a prime astronomy location.

In an uncommon occurrence, Hawaii's tallest peak, Mauna Kea, was cloaked in snow this week, transforming its summit into a picturesque winter wonderland. Approximately 2 inches of snow were recorded atop the Big Island's iconic mountain.

While Hawaii is celebrated for its warm weather and stunning beaches, snow is not entirely unexpected at the lofty elevations of Mauna Kea, especially during winter. Towering at 13,803 feet above sea level, its summit is predisposed to freezing temperatures year-round, making snow possible anytime.

This week's snowfall resulted from an upper-level disturbance funneling colder air and moisture across the island. According to Maureen Ballard, a senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu, this combination often results in snowfall when temperatures dip below freezing.

(With inputs from agencies.)