(COLORADO SPRINGS) – Snow has officially entered the chat, and not just as a forecast buzzword. We’ve started seeing some video and images of the higher terrain in Colorado picking up its first light snowfall of the season.

A recent video from the Loveland Ski Area captured a stunning drone shot of snow-capped mountains. While there’s not enough accumulation yet for skiing, the sight alone is enough to build some early excitement.

If you are wondering whether it is time to start thinking about snow, the FOX21 News Storm Team has the answers. In Colorado Springs, the average first snowfall usually occurs around Oct. 19. The earliest first snowfall on record was Sept. 2 in the year 1961. In Pueblo, the average first snowfall usually comes a bit later, around Nov. 4, with the earliest on record dating back to Sept. 10 in the year 1898.

So yes, talking about snow in September isn’t out of the ordinary.

There are a few reasons why snow is already entering the weather conversation. First, we’ve passed the fall equinox, meaning shorter days and longer nights, which naturally leads to cooler temperatures. Secondly, the jet stream is starting to dip lower across the country. That shift is being driven by the temperature contrast between the equator and the poles, pushing cooler air into our region.

Combine those factors with the supportive conditions in higher elevations, and it’s no surprise that snow is starting to make its seasonal debut. The talk of snow is beginning to pick up, especially as it affects the high country and our beloved ski towns.