Philadelphia International Airport Records Summer Snowfall Amid Heatwave

Philadelphia International Airport experienced an unusual weather phenomenon on Sunday as a sudden thunderstorm brought about a record-breaking summer snowfall amidst scorching temperatures. The city, where thermometers hit a sweltering 94 degrees, witnessed small hail transforming into snow, creating a rare meteorological event.

This unexpected occurrence resulted in a trace of snow, setting a new record for the airport. While the snowfall itself was minimal, it marked the 14th recorded instance of snow in the summer months at Philly’s airport, with the previous record dating back to 1870.

The last similar event took place in August 2011, with traces of snow also reported in previous years such as 2008, 2006, and 1998. Despite its rarity, the occurrence provided a brief reprieve from the relentless heatwave affecting various regions, including the recent fatal heatwave in Las Vegas and dire warnings along the East Coast.

The extreme heat, attributed to climate change by scientists, has prompted the CDC to issue alerts regarding the dangers of rising temperatures. This summer’s heatwave has already been linked to numerous deaths, with concerns of surpassing last year’s toll of heat-related fatalities.

Amid this global heat crisis, the Earth is inching closer to exceeding the temperature target set in the Paris climate accord of 2015. The CDC has developed tools to help individuals assess their health risks during heatwaves, particularly emphasizing the vulnerability of certain demographics like the elderly, pregnant women, and young children.