The first snowflakes of the season finally fell late on Thanksgiving Day (November 26) in Grand Rapids, over a month later than usual (October 23), and exactly one month later than last year (October 26). This tied the record for the latest 'first trace' (or more) of snowfall with November 26, 1902. Season snowfall that year amounted to only 22.4", nearly 50" below average (72.2")!
Snow continued to fall into the early-morning hours last Friday (November 27), totaling 0.4", for our first measurable snowfall of the season, but over three weeks later than usual (November 4). The record for the latest 'first measurable' snowfall is December 5, 1948 when 0.1" fell. Season snowfall that year also amounted to only 30.4", over 40" below average!
With snow in the forecast this week it is unlikely two other snowfall records will be broken: the latest 'first inch' (or more) of snowfall on a single day - December 22, 1998 (2.5") or the latest 'first inch accumulation' (or more) of snowfall for the season - December 21, 1998, reaching 1.3". Season snowfall in 1998 reached 76.7", very close to the average!
In your voice
