Winter Comes Early on Mauna Kea

While the first day of winter is technically a day away, Mauna Kea’s summit is already seeing chilly winter weather.

Mauna Kea rangers reported a closure of the Mauna Kea Access Road above Hale Pohaku Monday morning as a light snow fell in the area.

Just after 11 a.m., the roadway was reopened following remedial work and grading.

At 11:30 a.m., the summit’s temperature was about 33 degrees Fahrenheit.

Webcams on the mountain Monday showed icy conditions with light powdery snow.

A Winter Weather Advisory is effect for the summit through Tuesday morning. The National Weather Service reports that weather conditions could bring freezing rain with brief heavy snow showers.

Four-wheel drive vehicles are permitted to climb the area while the roadway is open, and officials say two-wheel vehicles will be turned around at the end of the pavement.