The Nashville area got more than just a light dusting of snow Monday night . There was also thundersnow.
The National Weather Service out of Nashville confirmed that the area saw thundersnow Monday night. So just what is this phenomenon?
According to the Farmers’ Almanac, winter thunderstorms, also known as “thundersnow,” are a type of thunderstorm when snow, and not rain, falls as the primary form of precipitation. And it isn’t something that happens often.
Here’s a look at what makes thundersnow so rare and videos from those who heard it in Nashville.
What is thundersnow?
Thundersnow is just that, a snowstorm that produces thunder and lightning.
It usually occurs when air mass becomes so unstable that it overturns violently. This can happen when drastically different temperatures meet, such as when the air closer to the ground is unusually warm and humid (which it has been in Nashville) and the air above it is unusually cool. In our case, a cold front bringing in snow after a week of temperatures in the 60s.