Unusual Winter Weather: Florida Sees More Snow Than Utah
An atypical winter weather pattern has resulted in a surprising reversal: some parts of Florida have received more snowfall than areas of Utah, traditionally known for its heavy winter snows. The phenomenon, occurring as much of the U.S. Braces for continued frigid temperatures, highlights the unpredictable nature of weather systems and has left residents in both states experiencing unusual conditions.
Marianna, Florida, recorded 1.3 inches of snow in January, while Salt Lake City logged only a trace amount, according to data from the National Weather Service. This marks an uncommon situation, particularly given that January is typically Salt Lake City’s snowiest month, averaging 12.7 inches. The city has only seen .1 inches of snow since the beginning of the winter season.
The unusual snowfall in Florida isn’t limited to Marianna. The state experienced an arctic blast that extended as far south as Tampa, contributing to the rare snowfall. Last year, on January 21, 2025, Marianna also received a significant 5 inches of snow, making this a second consecutive year with measurable snowfall – an extremely rare occurrence, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Cameron Young. “Snow is very rare here, and to get it twice in two years is extremely rare,” Young said. “We don’t get snow very often, and when we do, it’s fun to see.”
The lack of snowfall in Salt Lake City is the lowest recorded to date since record-keeping began in November 1884. Meteorologists warn that if this trend continues, the city could face back-to-back winters with very little snow, potentially impacting the water supply.
The broader weather pattern responsible for these anomalies extends across much of the United States. Forecasters are warning of dangerous, extra-cold conditions persisting into Monday morning for a large swath of the country, from the Gulf Coast to New England. This follows a weekend “bomb cyclone” that brought heavy snow and flight cancellations to North Carolina and even flurries and falling iguanas in Florida.
In North Carolina, James City recorded 18 inches of snow, while Swansboro received 17 inches. The snowfall around Charlotte, North Carolina’s largest city, was nearly a foot and represented a top-five snow event in the city’s history. More than 2,800 flights in the U.S. Were cancelled due to the severe weather.
Approximately 150 million people were under cold weather advisories and extreme cold warnings on Sunday, with single-digit temperatures reported in southern states. South Florida experienced its coldest air mass since December 1989, according to Peter Mullinax, a National Weather Service meteorologist in College Park, Maryland.
While temperatures are expected to begin rising throughout the day, challenges remain for thousands still without power from an ice storm that impacted the South last month. The National Weather Service office in Raleigh, N.C., cautioned that wind chills will drop to near zero Fahrenheit early Monday, and lingering snow and ice will create hazardous travel conditions. Residents are advised to exercise caution on roads and dress in warm layers.
The situation underscores the increasing volatility of weather patterns and the potential for unexpected extremes, even in regions not typically associated with such conditions. The unusual snowfall in Florida and the drought-like conditions in Utah serve as a stark reminder of the complex and interconnected nature of the Earth’s climate system.
