NEW YORK — Snow in New York is most commonly associated with the winter months, but historical weather records show that it is possible, though extremely rare, for the state to see snowfall as early as September.
According to data from the National Weather Service and past climate records, September snow has been documented in several parts of New York, particularly in higher-elevation regions such as the Adirondacks and the Catskills.
These areas, due to their elevation and cooler temperatures, are the most likely to experience unusually early snowfall.
One of the earliest recorded September snowfalls in the state occurred in 1903, when parts of the Adirondacks saw measurable snow during an early-season cold snap.
Other scattered instances of flurries or trace amounts have been reported in subsequent years, though accumulation during September is exceedingly uncommon.
In lower elevations, including New York City and much of downstate, September snow is virtually unheard of.
Temperatures during the month are generally too warm to allow for snow formation, even during colder-than-average years. The earliest measurable snowfall in New York City, for example, has not occurred until October.
Climatologists note that September snow events in New York are typically linked to strong Arctic cold fronts that push unusually far south while coinciding with storm systems carrying enough moisture to produce precipitation. Without both of these factors aligning, conditions are generally not favorable for snow.
While the possibility exists, experts stress that New Yorkers should consider September snow more of a historical curiosity than a seasonal expectation. For most of the state, autumn foliage is far more likely than falling snowflakes during September.
