Texas is not known for snowy landscapes, often associated with warm temperatures. However, snow does fall annually in various parts of Texas, though its occurrence is highly variable. The state’s large size contributes to diverse climatic conditions, meaning snowfall experiences differ significantly. Some areas rarely see a flake, while others regularly receive measurable accumulations during colder months.
Varying Snowfall Across Texas
Snowfall distribution across Texas depends on geographical location and elevation. The northern Panhandle experiences more frequent and heavier snowfall than other regions. This higher elevation area regularly receives colder air masses, leading to substantial winter precipitation. Snowfall in the Panhandle often results in several inches of accumulation, sometimes exceeding a foot during major winter storms.
In North Texas, including Dallas-Fort Worth, snowfall is less consistent but occurs periodically. Residents might see light dustings a few times a year, with occasional events bringing several inches that temporarily cover the ground. Central Texas experiences snow far less often, usually limited to light flurries that rarely accumulate or melt quickly. Along the Gulf Coast and in South Texas, measurable snowfall is rare, as temperatures remain too mild for snow. These southern regions often experience only freezing rain or sleet during colder periods, with some areas going many years without snow accumulation.
Average Annual Snowfall and Notable Events
Texas snowfall averages vary across the state. Amarillo, in the Panhandle, typically receives the most snow, averaging 14 to 17.9 inches annually, making it one of the snowiest places. This region experiences significant snowfall events, such as 47.9 inches recorded in the 1982-1983 season.
The Dallas-Fort Worth area averages 1 to 2 inches of snow per year. These averages can be misleading, as snowfall is highly variable. Notable events include the February 2021 arctic outbreak, which brought 5 inches to DFW Airport, and a 1964 event where 7.8 inches fell in Dallas on one day.
Further south, Houston and San Antonio receive very little snow. Houston averages 0 to 0.3 inches annually, with measurable snowfall being rare. San Antonio also averages very little, around 0 to 0.2 inches per year. San Antonio receives measurable snowfall approximately every three to four years, with significant snowfall (2-4 inches) occurring about every 10 years. Despite these low averages, historic events have occurred, such as Houston’s record 20 inches in February 1895 and San Antonio’s largest snowfall of 13.5 inches in January 1985.
Factors Influencing Texas Snowfall
Snow in Texas depends on a combination of meteorological factors. Two primary components are necessary for snow to fall and accumulate: sufficiently cold air and adequate moisture. Cold air masses, often from strong Arctic fronts, must push south to lower ground and atmospheric temperatures below freezing (usually 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius). Enough moisture must also be present to form precipitation that then falls as snow.
This moisture typically originates from the Gulf of Mexico, carried by southerly winds, or, less frequently, from Pacific weather systems. These two conditions rarely align perfectly over the same region. When cold air is present, moisture sources might be limited, leading to dry cold fronts with no precipitation. Conversely, when ample moisture is available, temperatures often remain too warm for snow, resulting in rain or freezing rain. This infrequent alignment explains why snowfall is both variable and less common in many parts of the state.