The possibility of measurable snow in Ohio in September

OHIO — While most Ohioans associate September with the start of football season and the first signs of autumn, the state’s weather history shows that snow in September—though rare—has indeed happened.

According to records from the National Weather Service and historical climate data, measurable September snow has been documented in Ohio, particularly in the northern and higher-elevation regions.

In late September of 1913, reports from that time note light snowflakes in parts of northeast Ohio.

Another early-season snowfall came during the unusually cold September of 1956, when flurries were spotted in northern Ohio.

More recently, scattered reports of snowflakes mixed with rain were observed in parts of the state in September 1994, though accumulation was minimal.

Geography plays a key role in these rare events.

Areas downwind of Lake Erie and higher elevations in eastern Ohio are most likely to see early flurries when an unusually strong blast of cold Canadian air arrives sooner than normal. Still, these conditions are highly unusual for September.

On average, Ohio’s first measurable snowfall does not typically arrive until late October or November, depending on the region.

Cleveland, for example, usually sees its first measurable snow in early November, while southern Ohio cities like Cincinnati and Dayton tend to wait until late November.

Despite its rarity, the historical record confirms that September snowfall in Ohio is possible—though typically brief, light, and quickly melted. For most Ohioans, September snow remains more of a weather trivia fact than a common seasonal reality.