Snow shovels probably aren't at the top of your mind when you're still reaching for shorts every day — but the first snowflakes of the year can arrive surprisingly early, and the Farmers' Almanac has the scoop. The site just updated its first snowfall map for the upcoming winter, so you can check when different parts of the U.S. are expected to begin seeing snow. Hint: It's as soon as right now in the highest mountains, while parts of the Gulf Coast and Deep South aren't expected to get any snow at all.
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What exactly counts as first snow? It's up for a little bit of debate: Meteorologists distinguish between the first flakes, which may melt on contact, the first measurable snowfall, when at least 0.1 inch accumulates, and the first significant snowfall, with an inch or more. That means the first trace typically arrives earlier than the first measurable snowfall.
In this article: SONTHIOW 40V Battery-Powered Snow Shovel, VOLTASK Cordless Snow Shovel, 24V and EGO Power+ 12" Electric Snow Shovel, Cordless
It's also important to note that the map shouldn't be treated as gospel (or an appointment with your snow blower). The Farmers' Almanac itself says it's a climatological guide based on typical timing, not a hard and fast prediction. Elevation, latitude, lakes and oceans, urban heat and developing weather patterns can all shift the timing of the first snowfall considerably.
Even meteorologists say guides like this should be taken with a grain of salt, and note that the Farmers’ Almanac and The Old Farmer’s Almanac are separate publications that both claim long-range forecast accuracy rates of roughly 80%, while independent studies have found significantly lower success rates when the forecasts are compared with actual weather outcomes.
With that in mind, here's when the Farmers' Almanac says to expect snow this winter, based on where you live.
While nearby valleys still enjoy summer weather, the highest peaks of the Rockies and other northern mountain ranges may already be seeing their first snowflakes. Just note that early mountain snow can disappear quickly as temperatures fluctuate.
By October, measurable snow could arrive in parts of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado and North Dakota, along with northern Minnesota, higher elevations of Utah and Idaho and northern New England.
November is the biggest month for first snow across a big chunk of the northern U.S., including much of the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, northern and central Plains, interior Northeast, central Rockies and higher Appalachians.
If you live in the Twin Cities, Buffalo or Pennsylvania, this is the time of year you tend to see your first snow — and often a lot of it.
At this time of year, first snow comes to Kansas and the central Plains, Missouri, the Ohio Valley, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia, plus lower elevations of the Pacific Northwest and portions of the southern Appalachians.
But even within these regions, there isn't a very reliable date. Some central Plains communities typically record measurable snow during November, while others don't typically see snow until late November or December.
Once you reach the Gulf Coast, there's no reliable date — Louisiana, Mississippi, southern Alabama, southern Georgia, coastal South Carolina, Florida and southern Texas can go an entire winter without measurable snow.
For these areas, December and January are the part of winter when a rare combination of moisture and sufficiently cold air might produce snow or ice, but it's never guaranteed. Many parts of the Deep South just won't get any snow at all.
Waiting until the forecast says a storm is on the way is a great way to get stuck with whatever shovel or snowblower is the last one in stock. Buying now gives you a chance to compare features, battery sizes and more — and to find exactly what you need before snow arrives.
SONTHIOW 40V Battery-Powered Snow Shovel
At 12 pounds, this cordless snow shovel is considerably lighter than a full-size blower, but still clears a 13.5-inch wide, 8-inch deep path. It throws snow up to 30 feet, and comes with two 4.0Ah batteries and a rapid charger.
VOLTASK Cordless Snow Shovel, 24V
This cordless shovel weighs less than 10 pounds and clears a path more than a foot wide through snow more than 6 inches deep. Its 24-volt motor throws snow up to 20 feet, and the included 4.0Ah battery runs up to 25 minutes per charge.
EGO Power+ 12" Electric Snow Shovel, Cordless
This 12-inch cordless shovel comes with a 56V 2.5Ah ARC Lithium battery and 210-watt charger. It has a directional dial, so you can aim the snow across a 60-degree range, making sure it ends up off your driveway or sidewalk. The shaft also folds for easy storage.
SENIX 40V 18'' Cordless Snow Blower
This cordless blower cuts an 18-inch-wide path through snow up to 8 inches deep, making it great for larger jobs. Its 1,500-watt brushless motor and dual-blade steel auger move up to 460 pounds per minute, with a 180-degree chute that throws snow as far as 33 feet.
royreal Snow Blower Cover Winter 600D Waterproof
This snow blower cover uses heavy-duty 600D fabric with a waterproof PU coating to shield equipment when stored outdoors. It has full-length securing straps, ventilation openings and an adjustable drawstring to help keep it anchored in all weather.
EGO Power+ 21" Electric Snow Blower
This 21-inch blower uses Peak Power technology and a steel auger to throw snow up to 40 feet — plus variable speed control and a handle-mounted chute adjustment to choose how you clear your space. It comes with two 56V 5.0Ah ARC lithium batteries for longer runtime between charges.
BULLY TOOLS 22" Combo Snow Shovel Pusher
This pusher is made in the USA, with a 22-inch polypropylene head and a fiberglass handle that ends in a comfortable D-grip. The coated, surface-safe blade won't scratch decks, steps or concrete while it clears snow and ice.
The Snowplow the Original Snow Pusher
The Snowplow uses a 36-inch blade made from virgin UHMW polyethylene, a nonstick material designed to let snow slide away instead of clinging. Its TUFFBRACE handle system reinforces the pusher, while the 56-inch overall design includes a D-grip and a self-sharpening blade that works on all kinds of surfaces.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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