On January 21, 2025, Houston experienced a rare and historic snowfall, transforming the city into an unexpected winter wonderland. Snowfall totals varied across the area, with Baytown receiving 5.5 inches, El Lago 4.2 inches, and Southeast Houston's Third Ward accumulating 4 inches.
This event marked one of the most significant snowfalls in Houston’s history, a city where snow is an extraordinary rarity. The snowstorm was part of a larger system that impacted the Gulf Coast and the Southeast, bringing record-breaking snowfall and freezing temperatures to regions unaccustomed to such conditions. New Orleans, for example, received up to 10 inches of snow, tying a record set in 1895.
An Unforgettable Night Before the Snow
The night before, on January 20, my Master of Global Affairs (MGA) cohort and I gathered for a cozy s’mores night. We sat around, enjoying hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows while watching a classic comedy-horror film. With classes canceled the next day, we were excited by reports that it would start snowing around midnight.
At around midnight, around 1:00 AM, it was sleeting. My friends and I stepped outside, hoping to see snow, but it was only ice. Our excitement started to fade as we began to doubt whether the snowfall would happen after all. Disappointed but still hopeful, we headed back to our homes for the night.
Then, at 7:30 AM, I woke up to the sound of my phone ringing and someone banging on my door. My friends, Leo and Jarrett, were outside, eager to wake me up (shoutout to my boys for managing to wake up a hibernating bear). I immediately checked my window, and voilà! Everything was white.
I rushed outside with them, feeling sheer joy. It was my first time seeing and touching snow, and it felt like stepping into another world. I remember arriving in Houston back in August 2024, when the heat was nearly unbearable. Now, just a few months later, the same city was freezing, but I didn’t mind the cold at all. I was too busy smiling.
Exploring the Winter Wonderland
We walked around Rice Village, where the streets were nearly empty. Houstonians, unaccustomed to driving in the snow, wisely stayed off the roads. I called my parents to show them the transformed city, it was like something out of a movie.
Meanwhile, my MGA cohort was buzzing with excitement, planning a trip to Hermann Park to go sledding. My friends George and Amir picked me up from my apartment (major kudos to George for having the courage to drive in the snow). The slow drive to campus was worth it.
When we arrived at Rice University, it felt magical. Students were building snowmen, tossing snowballs, and embracing the rare moment. Rice is known for its prestige and academic rigor, but on this day, the pressures of academia melted away as students simply enjoyed the moment.
The Great MGA Snowball War & Sledding Adventures
After warming up with hot chocolate at Amir’s apartment, Aly picked us up, and we headed to Hermann Park. The amphitheater had the perfect slope for sledding, and we came prepared.
When we arrived, I was surprised by how many people were already there. Everyone had their own makeshift sleds, from cardboard boxes to “wet floor” signs (which, surprisingly, worked really well). People were improvising with anything they could slide on.
But without a doubt, our unicorn floatie was the best sled in town. It had just the right amount of comfort and speed, making for the smoothest ride down the slope.
And then came the MGA Snowball War. No alliances, no mercy, just pure chaos. It was, quite literally, a Cold War(bad joke, I know).
The Only Downside: The Great Chili’s Disappointment
After hours of sledding and snowball fights, we all headed back to Charlie’s apartment to warm up and play some board games. By then, we were starving. Unfortunately, almost all the restaurants were closed, and Chili’s canceled our order, leaving us in despair. A Triple Dipper would have been the bomb after an intense snowball fight!
The Perfect Snow Day
The snow lasted for another day, but life in Houston quickly returned to normal. Unlike the February 2021 Snowmageddon, which caused major power outages and devastation, this snow day was just long enough for people to enjoy, without serious consequences.
A Day to Remember
As I look back on that snowy day, I realize that it wasn't just about the weather, it was about the memories we created. In a city where snow is nearly unheard of, we seized the moment, embracing the cold and the joy it brought. From snowball fights to sledding on a unicorn floatie, it was a day of pure, childlike wonder. Houston may never be known for its winters, but for one day, it felt like we were living in a completely different world, one filled with laughter, adventure, and a little bit of magic.
I know that years from now, whenever I think about my time in Houston, January 21, 2025, will always stand out as one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.
About the author:
Nathaniel Angelo Uy is from the Philippines and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Global Affairs at Rice University. He earned his B.A. in Social Sciences (Area Studies) from the University of the Philippines Manila in 2022, graduating Cum Laude. Nathaniel is actively working to strengthen the connection between Rice University and the Filipino community, aiming to increase Filipino representation at Rice.
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