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Vintage San Diego

Let It Snow January 1949

By Rachel Lutack

Vintage San Diego

Snow in San Diego

Vintage San Diego: Free Wheelers

Vintage San Diego: Free Wheelers

We’ve been enjoying a somewhat warm winter, but weather never ceases to surprise us, like it did in early 1949 (pictured above) when snow lightly dusted downtown. Although historical data only confirms traces of snow, this picture, looking southwest toward North Harbor Drive from the Civic Center (now the County Administration building) is worth a thousand words. In the past 130 years, SD has experienced only five instances of snowfall, with the last significant record occurring on the morning of December 13, 1967, when measureable snow fell before the astonished eyes of several communities throughout the county, including Carlsbad and North Park. Scattered and limited amounts have been recorded since, but nothing has stuck to the ground. Although we would like to witness such a scene again, we’re looking forward to spring, San Diego-style—brunching al fresco and watching Padres games in flip-flops.

By The Numbers

1882

First year of recorded snowfall in San Diego

370

Lowest temperature during the 1949 snowfall

5

Inches of snow measured in Fallbrook, December 1967

51°/65°

Average temperature for February in San Diego

1

Hour of snowfall in December 1967

1990

Last year of documented flurries in San Diego proper

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