Scientists Identify 'Snow Eaters': A New Category of Heat Wave
Scientists Identify 'Snow Eaters': A New Category of Heat Wave
US · Published Aug 12, 2026
Researchers have defined a new type of heat wave, termed 'snow eaters,' characterized by unseasonably warm temperatures that persist above freezing both day and night for three to five days.
These events accelerate snowpack melting, doubling the rate of snow loss and posing challenges for water resource management.

Impact & Risks

The rapid snowmelt caused by 'snow eaters' can lead to flooding, water management challenges, and increased wildfire intensity in the Western U.S. Drought stress in mountain forests, heavily reliant on snowpack, exacerbates wildfire risks. Additionally, these heat waves may pose hazards to outdoor enthusiasts, such as skiers and hikers, through avalanches, glacial collapses, and permafrost melt. The widespread nature of these events, coupled with above-average air temperatures, has already contributed to record-low snowpack and severe wildfires in regions like Utah and Washington.

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