OHIO — Even though spring approaches in March, historical weather data shows that significant snowstorms can still occur in Ohio during the month. In some cases, a single storm has produced snowfall totals close to or exceeding one foot in parts of the state.
March is considered a transitional month between winter and spring across the Midwest, according to the National Weather Service.
Average temperatures gradually rise and daylight hours increase, but cold air masses from Canada can still move south into the region. When those colder air masses interact with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico or developing low pressure systems moving across the country, conditions can still support heavy snowfall.
Historical records from the National Weather Service show that several major March snowstorms have impacted Ohio. Some of these storms have produced snowfall totals approaching or exceeding 12 inches in certain areas.
One of the most notable examples occurred during the Blizzard of 1993, often called the “Storm of the Century,” which struck large portions of the eastern United States in mid March. Parts of Ohio reported snowfall totals well above a foot during that storm.
Other March storms have also brought heavy snowfall to the state in more localized areas. In some years, strong late season low pressure systems have tracked through the Ohio Valley or along the East Coast while cold air remained in place across Ohio. When that type of setup occurs, heavy wet snow can develop and accumulate quickly.
Climatological data also shows that larger March snowfalls are more common earlier in the month when colder air is more likely to still be present. Northern and eastern parts of Ohio have historically seen higher totals during late season storms, partly because of colder average temperatures and the potential for lake enhanced snowfall near Lake Erie.
Meteorologists note that March snowstorms can sometimes produce heavy snowfall rates because the atmosphere often contains more moisture late in the winter season. This added moisture can allow storms to produce significant snow totals even when temperatures are near freezing.
While many March storms bring rain or a mix of rain and snow, the historical record shows that the right combination of cold air, moisture, and storm track can still produce significant snowfall across Ohio, including totals near or above one foot from a single system.
