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…A History of Snowfall in Phoenix…
As
metropolitan Phoenix continues to expand, it is becoming more and more
common to see snowfall in residential areas located in the higher elevations
of the north valley. However, in most of
the city, an event that produces measurable snow is quite rare.
The
greatest amount of snow ever recorded at the official reporting station in
Phoenix was 1.0 inch on January 20 1933, and on January 21 and 22 1937.
Other times measurable snow was recorded
include:
0.5
inches on February 2 1939
0.4
inches on December 21 and 22 1990
0.2
inches on March 12 1917
0.1
inches on November 28 1919
0.1
inches on December 11 1985
Trace
amounts of snow have been recorded on numerous occasions.
The
most recent snow of significance, in areas below 2000 feet, was on December 6
1998. Snow fell over
roughly the northwest half of the valley...where some accumulation was
reported. Sky Harbor Airport recorded 0.22 inches of precipitation that
day...but only a trace of snow.
The
most significant documented snowfall event in Phoenix occurred on January 21 and 22 in 1937. One inch was officially reported at the
federal building at Central and Fillmore.
However...up to 4 inches was reported in other parts of what is now
the metro area. Snow was said to have remained in shady areas until the 24th
of the month.
...and
from a weather summary written by an unknown author in 1898...
In
the vicinity of Phoenix...while snow melted almost as fast as it fell...it is
estimated the measurement would have exceeded 6 inches...had the snow lain on
the ground. As the meteorological
records of this station extend over 3 years...and during that time there is
no record of snow...we depend upon tradition when saying it was the heaviest
snowfall within the recollection of the oldest inhabitant.
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