This week, Hawaii’s tallest peak, Mauna Kea on the Big Island, received about 2 inches of snow, turning it into a winter wonderland. Snowfall is not uncommon at the higher elevations of Mauna Kea during the wetter, winter months due to its high elevation of 13,803 feet above sea level, which can result in temperatures dropping below freezing year-round. The recent snowfall was caused by an upper level disturbance bringing colder temperatures and moisture to the area.
Mauna Kea’s summit, although sacred to many Native Hawaiians and uninhabited, is known for its dark skies and dry atmosphere, making it an ideal location for astronomical observation. There are about a dozen telescopes at the summit, leading to significant discoveries in the field of astronomy, including Nobel Prize-winning research and images of planets beyond our solar system.
Webcams captured the snow-covered ground at Mauna Kea’s summit shortly after sunrise on Monday, but the snow had melted two days later. This fleeting snowfall offers a rare glimpse of a different side of Hawaii, which is more commonly associated with warm weather, beaches, and rainforests. Despite its brief appearance, the snowfall highlights the unique and versatile environment of Hawaii, where winter wonderlands can coexist with tropical climates and stunning natural landscapes.
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