The possibility of measurable snow in Pennsylvania during April

PENNSYLVANIA — While April typically marks the heart of spring, measurable snowfall in Pennsylvania during this month is far from unheard of.

Historical weather data confirms that April snow has occurred across many regions of the state, sometimes in significant amounts.

According to the National Weather Service, measurable snowfall—defined as at least 0.1 inches—has been recorded in Pennsylvania in April in nearly every decade.

For example, on April 2–4, 1987, parts of central Pennsylvania saw up to 8 inches of snow.

More recently, a snowstorm on April 2, 2018, dropped over 6 inches in higher elevations across western and northern Pennsylvania.

Even cities in southeastern Pennsylvania, like Philadelphia, have seen snow in April. Philadelphia International Airport recorded 0.7 inches on April 9, 1917, and traces of snow have occurred as recently as 2020.

Higher elevations, such as the Laurel Highlands and Pocono Mountains, are especially prone to late-season snowfall due to colder temperatures that persist into spring.

In these areas, April snow is relatively common, with ski resorts occasionally staying open into the first half of the month.

In short, while not frequent, measurable April snowfall in Pennsylvania is well within the state’s climatological norms.