Last week, I went to a hardware store and chuckled a bit when I saw a display of snow shovels right at the entrance. I thought, "Isn't it a bit early for that?" since the leaves haven't even fully fallen yet.

But if you look into Cheyenne's weather a little, you'll find that it's not early at all. In fact, now is the perfect time, and waiting just a few weeks could mean it's too late.

According to a local news article citing data from the National Weather Service Cheyenne office, Cheyenne has seen its first snow before the end of October nearly 9 out of 10 times. Specifically, it's 89 percent.

The average date for the first snow varies slightly from article to article, with some stating October 7 and others October 18. It seems to depend on whether you define the first snow as the first snowfall or the first snowstorm.

Either way, the conclusion is the same: by mid-October, we are already in the snow season.

The earliest recorded first snow was on September 8, 1929. I was genuinely surprised to see snow in September the first time it happened.

In fact, there are forecasts for mixed rain and snow in Cheyenne this month, and nearby Laramie has even issued a winter weather advisory. It's already starting. This means it's not the time to relax just because there isn't any snow on the ground yet.

So why should you buy a snow shovel in October? The reasons are simpler than you might think.

The first reason is inventory. Hardware store owners commonly mention in news interviews that people rush to buy shovels and de-icers only after a snow forecast is issued.

If you go on that day, the model you want may already be sold out, and you'll have to choose from what's left. Considering your back, the length of the handle and the width of the blade are quite important, but when you're in a hurry, you don't have the luxury to think about those details. Ultimately, you end up grabbing whatever is available.

Snow blowers are even worse. One store in Minnesota reported that 80 units they received were sold out in just one day.

The second reason is price. There have been reports of stores raising prices on snow shovels right before a storm. Not every store does this, but it's hard to expect discounts when demand surges.

On the other hand, in the fall, some online retailers start offering discounts on snow shovels just before Black Friday. There were deals like this reported last October. If you have time, you can also compare prices at a few places.

The third reason is the most practical one. Cheyenne has quite clear snow removal regulations for sidewalks.

According to city ordinances, homeowners or residents of properties adjacent to sidewalks must clear snow, ice, and slush from the sidewalk within 24 hours after it snows. Renters may also be subject to this depending on their lease agreements.

If you don't clear it, a citation will be placed on your front door, and if you still don't take care of it, the city will send a contractor to clear it and then bill the homeowner for the cost.

Also, you cannot push the cleared snow onto the roadway. A city official has directly warned that if it freezes, it could cause vehicles to slip and collide with parked cars or oncoming traffic.

The rules are different in downtown areas. Since snow must be piled in a specific manner, if you have a business there, be sure to check the city website. If the conditions are complicated, calling the city hall directly is the quickest way to get answers.

So, if you don't have a shovel on the morning of the first snow, you'll have to drive to the store, wait in line, buy what's left, and clear it within 24 hours. Just imagining it is exhausting.

In real estate, I often see landlords and tenants getting into disputes over sidewalk maintenance in winter. Having a shovel on hand can prevent many of these issues.

I'll also share a few tips for when you buy. First, distinguish between a wide shovel for pushing and a shovel for scooping.

A wide pusher is much more convenient for lightly accumulating snow. When wet snow piles up or ice forms, you'll need a sturdier shovel.

An ergonomic type with a slightly bent handle reduces the angle at which you bend your back. The best way to ensure it fits your height is to try it out in the store. This is only possible when inventory is sufficient.

Plastic blades are lightweight and rust-resistant but are weak for breaking ice. Metal-bladed shovels are a bit heavier but can scrape off ice stuck on front steps, which I prefer.

It's also good to stock up on de-icer. This is another item that tends to sell out right before it snows.

Snow blowers have a different situation. Industry insiders say that larger equipment may go on sale around March when the season ends, but the question is whether you can wait until then.

So my guideline is this: buy shovels and de-icer now. If you need a blower this winter, buy it now; otherwise, wait for spring sales.

One more thing I want to mention is that there are more neighbors than you might think who struggle to shovel snow alone. For seniors or those with mobility issues, the 24-hour rule can be quite a burden.

Buying one extra shovel and helping clear the sidewalk for your neighbor is, in my opinion, what truly makes a neighborhood livable.

It's not too late yet. Check your shed this weekend and see if last year's shovel is still in good shape. If it's cracked, replacing it now is definitely worth it.