A rare snowfall briefly covered parts of the western Florida Panhandle on Sunday morning. Frigid air followed a cold front, turning rain showers into snowflakes.
This event marks the second consecutive year for snow in parts of Florida. Less than a year ago, on January 21, 2025, some of these same areas received up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) of snow, an amount not seen in many places since the late 1800s.
The snow was observed on grass and rooftops, including a few flakes on the beach and snow nestled into palm fronds. It did not stick to roads due to warmer temperatures but dusted grassy areas before melting.
Southeastern Alabama and southern Georgia also reported snow, experiencing their second winter wonderland in less than a year. Ground snow was noted in Columbus and Macon, Georgia, with officials warning of potential travel hazards.
Elsewhere, winter weather was predicted to affect playoff football. New England was expected to receive 3 to 5 inches (7 to 13 centimeters) of snow in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, impacting the New England Patriots' game. National Weather Service meteorologist Kyle Pederson stated a low-pressure system offshore was causing the snow.
Chicago was also predicted to see minimal snow but faced frigid temperatures in the teens and near-zero wind chill for the Bears' game. A blizzard warning was in effect for parts of northwest and west-central Minnesota and southeast North Dakota until 9 p.m. local time. Forecasters expected up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) of snow with wind gusts up to 55 mph (88 kph), potentially causing whiteout conditions and hazardous travel.