Hawaii’s Snow Outshines New York and Boston: A Winter Twist

When you think of Hawaii, images of tropical beaches, hula dancers, and endless sunshine probably come to mind. But this winter, the Aloha State pulled off a surprising weather feat: it outpaced New York City and Boston in snowfall!

In late November, the Mauna Kea Weather Center on Hawaii Island reported a major snowstorm that left nearly half a foot of snow atop the towering Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. Meanwhile, Boston, which typically sees its fair share of snow by December, recorded just 0.2 inches, and New York City hadn’t seen a single flake.

Snow-Capped Peaks in Paradise

While snow on Hawaii’s higher altitudes might sound shocking, it’s actually not unheard of. The island’s volcanic peaks, including Mauna Kea, which stands nearly 14,000 feet tall, regularly receive snow in the winter months—and occasionally even in the summer. At these elevations, the tropical warmth fades, and winter weather takes over, creating a striking contrast between the sun-drenched beaches below and the snow-covered volcanic peaks above.

Pictures of the snowy peaks quickly went viral on social media, with many people amazed that Hawaii, of all places, could be experiencing more snow than the typically wintry cities of the East Coast.

An Unusually Mild Winter for Boston and NYC

While Hawaii was basking in its unexpected winter wonderland, the East Coast was facing one of its mildest starts to winter in years. By early December, Boston had seen only a dusting of snow, far below its usual 9 inches for the month. New York City was still waiting for its first snowfall, despite usually receiving about 5 inches by the end of December. The cities’ lack of snow has puzzled many, especially with the holiday season typically bringing picturesque snowy streets and brisk winter air.

What’s Behind the Weather Oddity?

Meteorologists suggest that El Niño could be playing a role in the unusual winter patterns. El Niño, which brings warmer ocean waters in the Pacific, often shifts weather patterns across the globe. It’s possible that the East Coast’s mild start to the season is part of this larger global climate phenomenon. However, it may also be a temporary lull, as El Niño could still bring wetter weather to Boston and New York City before the winter is over.

With the potential for a snowy finish to the season, East Coast residents may not want to give up on their dreams of a white winter just yet. But for now, it’s Hawaii’s majestic, snow-capped volcanoes that are stealing the winter spotlight, showing that even paradise can turn into a winter wonderland!