snow squall

noun

variants or less commonly snowsquall

ˈsnō-ˌskwȯl 

plural snow squalls also snowsqualls

: a sudden, brief, and intense storm of wind and snow : a squall accompanied by snow

While major snowstorms are predicted ahead of time, snow squalls can begin suddenly and typically last less than an hour.

—Aleanna Siacon

Examples of snow squall in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Arctic blast will bring snow squalls to several states, and seven other states are expecting heavy snow ahead of the plunging temperatures. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025

After a collection of lake effect and snow squalls last week, followed by warming temperatures, here's what the weather in the mitten state may look like this week. —Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 9 Dec. 2024

Typically linked to cold fronts, snow squalls can cause rapid and dangerous changes in weather. —Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025

Think Glen Powell in Twisters but with snow squalls instead of tornadoes, and with no romantic side story. —Kristin Shaw, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined above