Several cities around the world are known for their heavy snowfall, with Aomori in Japan topping the list with an annual snowfall of approximately 312 inches. Other snowiest cities on the list include Toyama, Saguenay, Sapporo, St. John’s, Akita, Syracuse, Quebec City, Buffalo, and Tromso. These cities have developed measures to deal with snowfall, such as snow-clearing equipment and infrastructure, and winter sports are often popular. While heavy snowfall can bring challenges, it can also boost winter tourism, facilitate winter sports, and provide a natural water source for plants and animals in the spring.
The winter season can be harsh, especially in cities that receive heavy snowfall. While many cities are covered in a blanket of white snow during winters, there are a few cities that stand out for the sheer amount of snow they receive. Here, we present to you the top 10 snowiest cities in the world.
1. Aomori, Japan
Located in northern Japan, Aomori receives an annual snowfall of around 312 inches. Due to its strategic location, the snowfall here is influenced by strong Siberian winds that carry huge amounts of moisture that eventually falls as snow. Despite the heavy snowfall, the city remains functional, and the people here are accustomed to the snow and have developed various measures to deal with it.
2. Toyama, Japan
Another Japanese city that makes it to the list is Toyama, which receives an annual snowfall of around 293 inches. The city is located in the shadow of the Japanese Alps, which creates a natural funnel, forcing the moisture-laden air to rise, leading to heavy snowfall. Despite the snow, Toyama is well-equipped to deal with it, with a well-developed infrastructure and snow-clearing equipment.
3. Saguenay, Canada
Located in Canada’s Quebec province, Saguenay receives an annual snowfall of around 135 inches. The city sits in a natural bowl-shaped valley that creates a micro-climate, causing snow to accumulate rapidly. Despite the challenging weather conditions, Saguenay has a thriving tourism industry, with winter sports and outdoor activities being the main attractions.
4. Sapporo, Japan
Sapporo is the largest city in Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido. It receives an annual snowfall of around 191 inches. The city is famous for hosting the annual Sapporo Snow Festival that attracts tourists from all over the world. Despite the heavy snowfall, the city is well-equipped to deal with it, and life goes on as usual during winters.
5. St. John’s, Canada
St. John’s, located in Canada’s Newfoundland and Labrador province, receives an annual snowfall of around 132 inches. Due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the city experiences heavy snowfall, combined with high winds and bitter cold temperatures. Despite the challenging weather conditions, the people of St. John’s have learned to live with the snow and have developed measures to deal with it.
6. Akita, Japan
Another city from Japan’s northernmost island, Akita, receives an annual snowfall of around 200 inches. The city is located in an area that receives heavy snowfall due to the moisture-laden winds from the Sea of Japan. Despite the heavy snowfall, the city functions efficiently, and winter sports like skiing and snowboarding are popular here.
7. Syracuse, USA
Syracuse, located in the state of New York, receives an annual snowfall of around 114 inches. The city is situated in an area that receives heavy lake-effect snow due to the moisture-laden air blowing over Lake Ontario. Despite the heavy snowfall, the city has a well-developed snow-clearing infrastructure that ensures life goes on as usual.
8. Quebec City, Canada
Located in Canada’s Quebec province, Quebec City receives an annual snowfall of around 124 inches. The city is famous for its picturesque winter landscapes and popular winter sports like skiing and ice skating. Despite the heavy snowfall, the city functions smoothly, with snow-clearing equipment working continuously to ensure the roads remain open.
9. Buffalo, USA
Buffalo, located in the state of New York, receives an annual snowfall of around 95 inches. The city is known for its heavy lake-effect snowfall due to its proximity to Lake Erie. Despite the heavy snowfall, the city functions efficiently, with snow-clearing equipment working round-the-clock to keep the roads open.
10. Tromso, Norway
Located in northern Norway, Tromso receives an annual snowfall of around 70 inches. The city is famous for its beautiful winter landscapes, the Northern Lights, and popular winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling. Despite the snow, the city has a well-developed infrastructure, and life goes on as usual during winters.
FAQs:
Q. What is lake-effect snow?
A. Lake-effect snow occurs when moist air from a relatively warm lake rises into colder air over land, leading to snowfall.
Q. How do cities deal with heavy snowfall?
A. Cities have developed measures like snow-clearing equipment, snow melts, and de-icing agents to deal with snowfall.
Q. Are there any benefits of heavy snowfall?
A. Heavy snowfall can boost winter tourism, facilitate winter sports, and provide a natural water source for plants and animals in the spring.
