Mount Washington, the tallest peak in New Hampshire and home to some of the most extreme weather conditions in the United States, is once again reminding everyone why it has that reputation. On Saturday, May 25, Mount Washington Observatory reported measurable snowfall, bringing a touch of winter back to the region even as Memorial Day weekend kicks off across the state.
Unusual May snow surprises hikers and visitors
Early risers on Saturday morning were greeted by a light but steady snow shower on the summit. Temperatures dipped well below freezing, reaching around 25°F (-4°C) with a wind chill that made conditions feel even colder. Winds gusted at over 70 mph, creating blowing snow and reducing visibility across the higher elevations.
While May snowfall isn’t unheard of at the summit — which sits at 6,288 feet — it remains unusual and often takes hikers and tourists by surprise. Some visitors were caught off-guard by the wintry scene, arriving in light jackets and spring gear, only to face a landscape dusted in white and temperatures far from what’s typical for late May in New England.
Meteorological conditions and forecast outlook
This late-season cold snap is being driven by a northern trough, funneling in cold, moist air from Canada. The upper-level low settled over the Northeast, triggering enough instability to support light snow at the region’s highest altitudes. Forecasters say these conditions may linger into Monday, though temperatures are expected to climb gradually as the system moves out.
Mount Washington continues to serve as a natural laboratory for extreme weather research, and moments like this underscore the mountain’s capacity to defy seasonal expectations. Despite the blanket of snow, lower elevations across New Hampshire are still seeing mild temperatures, ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s °F (13–18 °C), with no snow expected below the tree line.
