Snowfall in Houston: A Rare Occurrence in the Region
Snowfall in Houston: A Rare Occurrence in the Region
People gathered outside to play in the snow on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Houston.
Parts of the Houston area received up to 6 inches of snow Tuesday during an "exceptionally rare" winter storm for the region, according to the National Weather Service.
Houston as well as surrounding locales such as Liberty and Galveston got 3-4 inches of snow late Monday and Tuesday morning, according to Bradley Brokamp, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service’s Galveston/Houston office. He said the highest snowfall amount reported was 6 inches in La Porte, which is southeast of the city.
"Totals this high haven’t been seen for quite a while," Brokamp said. "It was a once-in-a-generation snowstorm for Houston, based on the numbers we’re seeing."
Official Records
For official record-keeping purposes for Houston, Brokamp said the National Weather Service uses snowfall amounts measured at Bush Intercontinental Airport on the north side of the city. The total recorded there Tuesday was 1.2 inches, which is well below the city’s record, Brokamp said.
Looking down Caroline Street from Midtown toward downtown Houston.
A Look at Historical Snowfall Data
National Weather Service data shows 3-inch snowfall totals on winter days in 1940 and 1960. According to Space City Weather, Houston received 20 inches of snow on Feb. 14, 1895.
Conclusion
Tuesday’s snowfall was most significant on the south side of the Houston region. Areas to the north such as Conroe received 1-2 inches of snow, according to Brokamp, who said northwestern locales such as Brenham and College Station got an inch or less.
FAQs
Q: How much snow did Houston receive?
A: Houston received up to 6 inches of snow, with 1.2 inches recorded at Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Q: What is the significance of this snowfall?
A: The snowfall is exceptionally rare for the region, with totals this high not seen in a while.
Q: What is the record snowfall for Houston?
A: The record snowfall for Houston is 20 inches, which was recorded on Feb. 14, 1895.
