The Rare Weather Phenomena Called “Thundersnow” Appeared Over Colorado This Week

Did you hear the news or experience the crazy phenomenon firsthand? No, we aren't talking about the fact that 2020 is FINALLY coming to a close (cue the "Hallelujah Chorus"), but rather the incredible and rare weather phenomenon that is referred to as "thundersnow." As you may have already guessed, thundersnow is exactly what it sounds like and actually happened this week in Colorado.

Also known as a winter thunderstorm or thundersnowstorm, thundersnow is described as a thunderstorm that occurs when snow is the primary precipitation versus rain.

I'm no scientist, but even I was able to guess what thundersnow is!

Like common summertime thunderstorms with thunder and lightning, thundersnow is virtually the same (minus the obvious snow vs. rain). Still, it often goes unnoticed, as heavy snow and thick cloud-cover can be sound-dampening, making it all-the-more surprising to experience.

How does thundersnow occur? Like summertime storms, thundersnow is caused by different temperatures coming together and creating instability, such as warm and moist air rising toward cooler air overhead.

As a rule, thundersnow is more common in the Great Lakes area, midwest, and the Great Salt Lake, but it can still occur in places like Colorado, as demonstrated by this week's storm.

While the Great Lakes' thundersnow storms typically occur due to warm air colliding with cool air, there are other ways this phenomenon can happen, including if a heavy synoptic snowstorm sustains its strength (which allows for thunder and lightning) or if a regular thunderstorm sits along the edge of a cold or warm front which can form a winter environment.

To witness thundersnow for yourself, check out this video of Colorado's recent storm, courtesy of 9News:

Have you seen (or heard) this phenomenon for yourself? Tell us about it in the comments! For even more Only in Colorado wintertime fun, check out this article.