In a surprising weather twist, Philadelphia International Airport recorded snowfall this July, amidst a severe heatwave where temperatures soared into the 90s. But before you imagine a winter wonderland in summer, let’s clarify what actually happened. The “snowfall” was technically not snow but small hailstones resulting from severe thunderstorms that swept through the area. The National Weather Service classifies such hail as frozen precipitation, which, interestingly enough, gets recorded as a trace of snow in climatic reports.
Snow reported at Philadelphia International Airport in the middle of July
How did hail form in such hot conditions? It all boils down to the weather dynamics above us. Even during a heatwave, the upper atmosphere can remain cold enough to form ice. During thunderstorms, strong updrafts lift rain droplets into colder areas where they freeze, grow, and eventually fall as hail when the updraft weakens. This process led to the rare meteorological record of July snowfall—a record based on the occurrence of hail, not actual snowflakes.
You might be wondering how to stay updated or prepare for such unpredictable weather events. This is where AI can play a pivotal role. Advanced weather forecasting models, enhanced by artificial intelligence, can predict unusual weather patterns with greater accuracy. AI systems analyze vast amounts of meteorological data to forecast and alert about severe conditions, including thunderstorms that might lead to hail, thus ensuring that you stay safe and informed.
This is true, The Philadelphia Airport just recorded snowfall—in July
Curious about more instances of unusual weather? Keep an eye on detailed forecasts and leverage AI-driven weather applications to get real-time updates and explanations of complex weather phenomena. They not only predict the weather but also explain it in a way that helps you understand what’s happening above you, no matter how unusual it might seem.