Hawaii's big island gets snow in June

HONOLULU, June 15 (UPI) -- An unusual combination of conditions brought snow to the peaks of Mauna Kea on Hawaii's big island, forecasters said.

Hawaii's tropical weather doesn't extend to the state's highest peak, but late Monday, a cold pool of air made temperatures drop below freezing. About the same time, thunderstorms moved over the island, high enough to bring Mauna Kea a dusting of snow.

The unusual event -- it does occasionally happen in winter -- provided some unique pictures of the mountain's observatory for June.

Forecasters said the wetter than usual trade winds will continue through Wednesday with rain expected.