Thunderstorms aren't the only type of weather to produce thunder and lightning — winter storms can flash and roar, too. This phenomenon is known as thundersnow.

Thundersnow is when thunder can be heard as snow is falling, rather than rain. This rarity is like hitting the jackpot in the world of meteorology, almost as rare as finding a needle in a haystack.

Here's how it works:

The science behind thundersnow

Just like with your typical thunderstorm, the atmosphere has to set the scene first.

And the key ingredients are similar: moisture, instability and a lifting mechanism, like a cold or warm front.

(MORE: Severe weather ingredients)

Get More of Our News on Google

Set The Weather Company as a 'Preferred Source' to get quicker access to the news you value.

It all starts when a deep layer of cold, dry air sets up over a layer of warmer, moist air. This creates instability and upward motion, also known as convection.

As the warmer air rises, the electrical charges in the clouds build up and separate, triggering a lightning strike.

This lightning is then followed by a rumble of thunder — making for a mix of heavy snowfall and a startling boom.

Why is thundersnow so rare?

The reason thundersnow excites many meteorologists is because it's elusive.

Thunder rarely occurs while it's snowing because the air temperature in winter storms is normally consistently cold throughout the atmosphere, aloft all the way to the ground.

But when we do see that warmer, moist layer set up above the colder air near the ground, it's meteorology magic.

During winter storm coverage in January 2026, meteorologist Jim Cantore caught the iconic moment live on air.

Where can you hear thundersnow?

If you want to experience this rare meteorological phenomenon, there are a few locations that are more apt to hear it.

The Colorado Front Range, Northern Plains and Northeast are all good contenders, along with areas near the Great Lakes or Great Salt Lake, as a result of lake-effect snow.

(MORE: The smell of snow is all in your mind)

It's usually seen in strengthening winter storms within thin bands of heavier snow, or occasionally in intense lake-effect snowbands.

It is important to note, though, that the thunder is typically only audible within 2-3 miles of the lightning strike because falling snow muffles noise.

And with that said — lightning in a winter storm is still lightning. If you find yourself outdoors in the snow when you see lightning or hear thunder, you should go inside and enjoy Mother Nature's show from the safety and comfort of your home.

(MORE: Why the world seems to go quiet after a fresh snow)

Caitlin Kaiser graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with both an undergraduate and a graduate degree in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences before starting her career as a digital meteorologist with weather.com.