Introduction
Snowfall is a natural phenomenon that can bring both joy and disruption to a community. It’s important to understand how much snow your city or town receives on average in order to be prepared for winter weather conditions. This article will explore the snowfall patterns of Asheville, North Carolina so you can make informed decisions about how to best prepare for winter weather.
A Comprehensive Guide to Average Snowfall in Asheville, NC
Asheville, North Carolina is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and experiences four distinct seasons. The average annual snowfall in Asheville is 13.8 inches (35 cm) and the average winter temperatures range between 34°F to 52°F (1°C to 11°C).
Annual Average Snowfall
The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that the average annual snowfall in Asheville is 13.8 inches (35 cm). This number includes all snowfall from October through April, which are typically the snowiest months of the year.
Monthly Snowfall Totals
In Asheville, the snowiest month is usually January, with an average of 3.7 inches (9.4 cm) of snowfall. February is the second snowiest month, with an average of 2.9 inches (7.4 cm), followed by December (2.2 inches/5.6 cm) and March (2.0 inches/5.1 cm).
Historical Data on Snowfall
The NWS also keeps records of the highest and lowest snowfall totals in Asheville. In the past, the city has seen as little as 0.3 inches in one season (in the winter of 1972-73) and as much as 53.7 inches in one season (in the winter of 2010-11).
How Much Does Asheville Get Buried in Snow Each Year?
Asheville is known for its mild winters, but it does get its fair share of snow. On average, the city gets 13.8 inches of snow each year, though there can be considerable variations from year to year.
Highest Recorded Snowfall
The highest recorded snowfall total in Asheville was in the winter of 2010-11, when the city received 53.7 inches (136.5 cm) of snow. This was more than three times the city’s average annual snowfall, and caused significant disruption to local businesses and transportation networks.
Lowest Recorded Snowfall
At the other end of the spectrum, the lowest recorded snowfall total in Asheville was in the winter of 1972-73, when the city received just 0.3 inches (0.76 cm) of snow. This was significantly lower than the city’s average annual snowfall, and while it did not cause any major disruptions, it was still a noticeable difference from normal years.
Exploring the Climate of Asheville: The Snowfall Edition
In order to better understand the snowfall patterns in Asheville, let’s take a closer look at the city’s climate. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with temperatures ranging from 34°F to 52°F (1°C to 11°C) and precipitation patterns that vary throughout the year.
Temperature Variation
Asheville is known for its mild winters, and temperatures rarely drop below freezing. However, cold snaps are possible during the winter months, and temperatures can dip as low as 10°F (-12°C). During the summer months, temperatures can reach as high as 90°F (32°C).
Precipitation Patterns
Asheville receives an average of 48 inches (122 cm) of precipitation per year, most of which falls during the spring and summer months. The city also experiences occasional snowstorms during the winter months, with the heaviest snowfall usually occurring in January.
Asheville’s Annual Snowfall: What to Expect
Asheville’s average annual snowfall is 13.8 inches (35 cm). While this number can vary from year to year, it is a good indication of what to expect during the winter months. Let’s take a look at the average snowfall by month and what kind of snow accumulation and duration you can expect.
Average Snowfall by Month
As mentioned above, the snowiest month in Asheville is usually January, with an average of 3.7 inches (9.4 cm) of snowfall. February is the second snowiest month, with an average of 2.9 inches (7.4 cm), followed by December (2.2 inches/5.6 cm) and March (2.0 inches/5.1 cm).
Snow Accumulation and Duration
When it snows in Asheville, it usually doesn’t stick around for long. Most snow accumulations are short-lived, with an average duration of 12-24 hours. That said, heavier snowfalls can linger for up to two days.
How Cold and Snowy is Asheville, NC?
Asheville experiences mild winters, but there are still periods of cold temperatures and snowfall. To get a better understanding of the winter weather in Asheville, let’s take a look at the average temperatures and wind chill factor.
Average Temperatures
Asheville’s average winter temperatures range between 34°F to 52°F (1°C to 11°C). This means that most days during the winter months are relatively mild, but there can be periods of cold temperatures.
Wind Chill Factor
When temperatures drop below freezing, the wind chill factor can make it feel even colder. In Asheville, the wind chill can make it feel as cold as -15°F (-26°C). It’s important to dress appropriately for the cold weather and stay indoors if the wind chill is too intense.
Conclusion
Asheville, North Carolina receives an average of 13.8 inches (35 cm) of snow each year. There can be significant variations from year to year, with the city receiving as little as 0.3 inches (0.76 cm) and as much as 53.7 inches (136.5 cm). The city experiences mild winters and cold snaps are rare, but it’s important to be prepared for winter weather conditions. Knowing the average snowfall and temperature patterns in Asheville can help you make informed decisions about how to best prepare for winter weather.
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