Snow Possible Atop Haleakalā on Maui This Weekend

Another dusting of snow is possible atop Haleakalā on Maui as a “cold core low” slides westward over the islands this weekend, forecasters say.

The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch for the summits on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi and Haleakalā on Maui for elevations above 9,000 feet. The NWS says freezing rain and snow are possible from Saturday evening through Sunday afternoon.

NWS forecasters say travel could be very difficult and dangerous as “blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility at times, and ice will make roads treacherous.”

According to the NWS advisory: “A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant snow or ice accumulations that may impact the summits. Anyone planning travel to the summits, including hikers and campers, should monitor the latest forecasts and consider postponing their trip until improved weather returns.”

Maui got a recent dusting of snow on Feb. 7, and additional accumulations through Feb. 11, 2020.  Prior to that, Maui also saw snow atop Haleakalā during a winter storm last year that forced the closure of the summit for at least six days.

Ice covers a rare Haleakalā silversword plant at the summit. (2.10.20) PC: Lyle Krannichfeld & Pueo Gallery