Why Can It Snow in July on a Mountain?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why can it snow in July on a mountain?

The Big Idea

It can snow in July on a mountain because the air up high can be freezing, even in summer! The higher you go, the colder it gets. A passing storm can turn rain into snow.

Cold Up High

Step one: cold up high. Even in summer, the air high on a mountain can be freezing. The higher you go, the colder it usually gets. Each 1,000 feet up can feel several degrees cooler.

Cold Fronts

Step two: cold fronts and storms. When a cold front or a storm arrives, rain at the bottom can fall as snow at the top. In the Canadian Rockies, snow can fall in any month.

Pack Layers

Step three: be ready. A warm day can be followed by a snowy one. So hikers always carry extra layers, even in July. Mountain weather can surprise everyone.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The valley below can be warm. The peak above can be freezing. A cold front moves in. And snow falls up high, even in July.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Snow patches can last all summer in shady corners of mountains. Some even last for years, high up where it stays cold. Others melt a little each summer. Meltwater from these patches feeds streams and flowers. Plan for summer snow with warm clothes, and go with trained grown-ups.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Pack a pretend backpack for a July hike in the mountains. Add clothes for warm sun. Add clothes for snow. Show a grown-up what you packed.

Outro

Mountains are cold up high, so snow can fall even in July. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!