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The video shows a glittering ceiling on Mauna Kea

Posted on by Vanessa
The video shows a glittering ceiling on Mauna Kea

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Any place, including Hawaii, can become a winter wonderland with the right amount of snow.

The Aloha State saw what was likely its first snowfall of the season on Monday after a winter storm blew in and blanketed a peak in sparkling white snow.

The arrival of snow in the region is not uncommon, especially at higher elevations between 9,000 and 10,000 feet, AccuWeather senior meteorologist Alan Reppert told USA TODAY on Tuesday.

Still, the snowfall gave Americans a taste of what could be in store for the next few months.

Video shows first snowfall of the season in Hawaii

Derek Petrowski witnessed the snowfall firsthand earlier this week and recorded a short video to document the appearance of snow on Mauna Kea, the island's highest peak.

Mountain ranges as well as volcanic peaks in the area are most affected by winter weather during the rainy season, which typically lasts from October to April. Most severe weather and blizzard warnings are typically issued during this period.

“Most of the snow that falls in Hawaii is above 8,000 to 9,000 feet…You can see some snow on Hawaii's highest peaks even in the middle of summer,” Reppert said. “It’s something that happens there.”

Residents and tourists are fortunate to benefit from the Big Island's good weather during the rainy season since they are not close enough to see or experience the snow.

The only indication of snow in the area, aside from videos and images taken by residents, could be a light breeze or an increased chance of rain.

According to the US Geological Survey, Mauna Kea sits at an elevation of 13,803 feet.

According to Newsweek, National Weather Service meteorologists issued a winter weather warning ahead of the snowfall as “deep moisture” was expected to spread across the area by Monday, leading to “periods of rain and snow on the high peaks.” The winter storm brought heavy snow to higher elevations and heavy rain to low-lying areas through Tuesday morning, Newsweek reported.

The last time a winter weather advisory was issued for the volcano was May 11, NWS meteorologist Derek Wroe told Newsweek ahead of the weekend's winter storm.

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