ANSWER: Thunder and lightning are actually common in the wintertime, especially in the United States. Strong winter storms and blizzards are capable of both thunder and lightning. ... Thunder can occur while it's snowing, sleeting, or even during freezing rain.

Can there be thunder when snowing?

Thundersnow is a rare but exciting wintertime occurrence. Part of it could be because you don't usually think about or expect thunder and lightning when it's snowing. Thundersnow occurs under a similar process as the thunder and lightning we see in your run-of-the-mill thunderstorm.

Why does it thunder when snowing?

Still, thundersnow does happen. Thundersnows are most common in the Great Lakes region, when cold air blows across the relatively mild water of the Great Lakes, forcing the air upwards rapidly enough that the instability causes lightning and thunder in conjunction with heavy snow.