NYC: Growing Chance of 30" or More Seasonal Snowfall

[donsutherland1]

With NYC having seen more than 15" of snow in January (15.3" through January 30), if historic experience is of relevance, NYC now has a very strong chance at seeing at least 30" of snow for the third consecutive season. If so, it would be the first time NYC has seen 3 consecutive seasons since the 1945-46 through 1948-49 run of 4 consecutive seasons with 30" or more snowfall.

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1945-46   31.4"
1946-47   30.6"
1947-48   63.2"
1948-49   46.6"


The record is five consecutive seasons: 1880-81 through 1884-85.

Since regular recordkeeping began in 1869-70, NYC has seen 15" or more snow in January on 15 occasions. 14/15 (93%) of seasons ultimately wound up with 30" or more snowfall. In addition, 9/15 (60%) saw 40" or more snowfall. NYC has a string of two consecutive winters with 40" or more snowfall. It has never seen three consecutive winters with 40" or more snowfall.

The average seasonal snowfall in seasons where January saw 15" or more snowfall came to 45.4". The least was 29.6" in 1924-25. The most was 75.6" in 1995-96.

Finally, for what it is worth, all 6 seasons that saw NYC receive 15" or more snow in January and Boston 25" or more, had 30" or more snowfall for the season. The average was an extraordinary 52.7". Least: 32.2", 1903-04. Most: 75.6", 1995-96.