The possibility of measurable snow in Ohio during May

OHIO — While most Ohioans associate May with spring blooms and warming temperatures, snow in the fifth month of the year is not entirely out of the question.

Historical weather data shows that measurable snowfall in May, though rare, has occurred across various parts of the state.

According to records from the National Weather Service (NWS) and local climatology reports, measurable snow—defined as 0.1 inches or more—has been recorded in May in several Ohio cities, particularly in northern and higher-elevation areas.

For example, Cleveland and other cities along Lake Erie have experienced trace to measurable snowfalls in early May, most often during unseasonably cold years.

One of the most notable late-season snow events occurred on May 10, 1907, when Cleveland recorded 0.5 inches of snow.

Akron, Mansfield, and Youngstown have also reported trace amounts of snow in early May in past decades.

In central and southern Ohio, such as Columbus or Cincinnati, snow in May is even less frequent, but not unheard of. Columbus recorded a trace of snow as recently as May 1989.

These rare snowfalls typically happen during the first week of May, when late-season cold fronts move through the Great Lakes region.

Arctic air masses can briefly push temperatures below freezing, allowing snow to fall even after the official start of spring.

Overall, while the odds of measurable snowfall in May are low, they are not zero.

For most parts of Ohio, the historical likelihood of snow during this time of year is under 1%, though the chances are slightly higher in the northern and eastern portions of the state.

The rarity of May snowfall often makes it a memorable event when it does occur, serving as a reminder of Ohio’s unpredictable spring weather patterns.