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The Farmers’ Almanac just released their winter weather predictions and they are calling for a colder than normal winter with above average snowfall in Kansas City.
Checkout this video:
The Science of Snow
The National Weather Service uses a special formula to predict snowfall. The forecast is based on the temperature, humidity, dew point, and wind speed.
What is Snow?
Most people know snow as the white stuff that falls from the sky and accumulates on the ground, but did you know that there are actually different types of snow? To meteorologists, snow is defined as frozen precipitation that falls from the atmosphere and reaches the ground. However, not all snowflakes are created equal. Depending on the atmospheric conditions at the time of formation, snowflakes can take on many different shapes, sizes, and textures.
The most common type of snowflake is called a dendrite, which means “tree-like” in Greek. Dendrites are characterized by their complex, branching structure and generally have a diameter of 2-4 mm. These flakes form when the air temperature is between -5°C and -15°C and there is sufficient moisture in the atmosphere.
Another type of snowflake is called a star crystal, or stellar crystal. Star crystals form under similar conditions to dendrites, but they have a much simpler structure. They are generally 6-sided flakes with diameters of 1-2 mm.
Snowflakes can also take on other shapes, such as columns, plates, needles, or even balls! The shape of a snowflake is determined by the temperature and humidity conditions at the time of its formation. For example, columns tend to form in cold, dry air conditions while plates are more likely to form in warm, moist air conditions.
No matter what type or shape they take on, all snowflakes are unique! So next time you’re out in a winter wonderland, take a closer look at the delicate flakes falling from the sky…you might just be able to spot a few different types!
How Does Snow Form?
Most of us are familiar with the basic process of how snow forms. Warm air rises, colder air moves in to fill the void, the water vapor in the air condenses and voilà – snow! But have you ever wondered why snowflakes always have six sides? Or why no two are exactly alike? Let’s take a closer look at the science of snow.
The falling snowflakes we see outside are actually very complex, each one made up of hundreds or even thousands of ice crystals. These ice crystals form when water vapor in the atmosphere condenses around a particle of dust or pollen. The crystal grows as more water vapor collects on its surface and it eventually falls to the ground.
One of the most fascinating things about snowflakes is their symmetry. All snowflakes have six sides, but the specific patterns they form are determined by the temperature and humidity conditions present when they form. For example, flakes forming in colder, drier air tend to be smaller and have simpler shapes, while flakes forming in warmer, more humid air tend to be larger and have more intricate patterns.
Another interesting thing about snowflakes is that no two are exactly alike. This is because each flake follows its own unique path as it falls from the clouds, picking up different amounts of moisture and experiencing different temperature changes along the way. So while every flake may be similar in overall structure, each one is still unique in its own way.
Snow in Kansas City
It’s that time of year again where the weather starts to cool down and the leaves start to change color. But, more importantly, it’s the time of year to start thinking about how many inches of snow Kansas City will receive this winter. The Farmer’s Almanac is calling for a wet winter with above-normal snowfall, so let’s take a look at the history of snowfall in Kansas City and what to expect this winter.
Average Snowfall in Kansas City
Kansas City’s winter snowfall averages from around 10 to 20 inches of snowfall each year. The majority of the city’s snowfall usually comes in January and February, but it is not unheard of for the city to receive snowfall in December and March as well.
While 20 inches of snow may not sound like a lot, keep in mind that this is an average – some years the city may only see 5 or 6 inches while other years could see 30 or more inches. No matter how much snow falls, though, it’s always a beautiful site!
Record Snowfall in Kansas City
The year 2019 brought many weather surprises, including a record-breaking snowfall in Kansas City. The city received 22.4 inches of snow in one day, on February 12th. This was the biggest one-day snowfall in the city’s history.
This winter, the weather has been more mild, with only a few inches of snow so far. However, with winter not even halfway over yet, it’s possible that we could see another big snowstorm before the season is over.
Snow Forecasts for the Upcoming Winter
The Old Farmer’s Almanac is calling for a colder than normal and wetter than normal winter for Kansas City. They are predicting snowfall totals of around 30 inches. The National Weather Service is predicting a range of 12 to 18 inches of snow.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac
Each winter, The Old Farmer’s Almanac releases its winter snowfall predictions for cities across the United States. For Kansas City, the Almanac is predicting a “normal” amount of snow this year.
According to the Almanac, Kansas City can expect to receive about 15 inches of snow this winter. This is slightly below the city’s average of 18 inches of snow per year.
While the Almanac’s predictions are not always accurate, they are often close. Last winter, the Almanac predicted that Kansas City would receive 16 inches of snow. In reality, the city saw 19 inches of snow.
If the Almanac’s prediction for this winter comes true, it would be good news for city residents and businesses. A “normal” amount of snow would be far less than the 30 inches that fell last winter, which caused significant disruptions and damage across the city.
The Weather Channel
The Weather Channel has released its winter forecast for 2019-2020, and it’s calling for a winter with below-normal temperatures in the central and eastern United States. The warmest areas are expected to be in the Southwest, along the Pacific Coast and in Alaska.
As for snowfall, The Weather Channel is forecasting above-normal snowfall in parts of the northern Tier states, the upper Midwest, the mid-Atlantic and New England. The regions most likely to see below-normal snowfall include the Ohio Valley, Great Lakes and much of the Southeast.
AccuWeather
AccuWeather has released its annual winter forecast for the upcoming season, and it looks like snowfall may be above normal for parts of the country.
According to AccuWeather’s experts, the Midwest and Northeast are most likely to see above-normal snowfall this winter. In particular, AccuWeather is forecasting that Kansas City, Missouri, could see up to 9 inches of snow above its normal amount.
“The main difference compared to last winter is that the storm track looks like it will be a little bit farther south,” said AccuWeather meteorologist Tyler Roys. “That means that some of the heaviest snow could fall just south of Kansas City.”
However, not all areas of the country can expect above-normal snowfall this winter. In fact, AccuWeather is forecasting below-normal snowfall for much of the West Coast, including Los Angeles and San Francisco.
“The Pacific Northwest is also going to see below-normal snowfall because there’s a good chance that the storm track will stay to the north of that region,” Roys said.
Despite the differences in forecasted snowfall amounts from one part of the country to another, AccuWeather’s experts say that overall, this winter is not expected to be as severe as last year’s record-breaking season.
How to Prepare for Snow
The National Weather Service is predicting that this winter, Kansas City will see an average of 22 inches of snow. Here are a few tips on how to prepare for the snow:
Stock up on Snow Supplies
As winter approaches, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll prepare for snow. Here are some tips on what you’ll need to do to get ready for the snow season.
1. Stock up on snow supplies. You’ll need a shovel, a snow brush, and a de-icer for your car. You may also want to buy some salt or sand to help with traction on icy sidewalks and roads.
2. Make sure your car is ready for winter weather. Get a tune-up and check the battery, tires, and wipers. If you don’t have winter tires, consider getting them.
3. Dress for the cold. Invest in some warm clothes, including a coat, hat, gloves, and boots. Layer your clothing so you can adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.
4. Know where your gas shut-off valve is located in case of a power outage due to downed wires. Also, have a backup plan for heating your home in case of an outage.
5. Have an emergency kit prepared in case you get stranded in your car during a storm. The kit should include food, water, blankets, a first-aid kit, and a flashlight with extra batteries
Get Your Car Ready for Winter
Now that winter is here, it’s time to get your car ready for the cold weather. Follow these tips to help your car weather the winter months.
1. Check your battery. Cold weather can be hard on your battery, so it’s important to make sure it’s in good condition before the temperature starts to drop. Have a professional check it regularly and replace it if necessary.
2. Get new windshield wipers. If your wipers are more than a year old, they may not work as well in the snow and ice. Invest in a good pair of windshield wipers to help you see while you’re driving in winter weather.
3. Keep an emergency kit in your car. Include items like a first-aid kit, blanket, snacks, and a cell phone charger in case you get stranded in the snow.
4. Check your tires. Make sure your tires have enough tread and are properly inflated before the first snowfall of the season. Consider getting snow tires for extra traction on icy roads.
5 . Stay up to date on your car’s maintenance . This is especially important in winter when salt and other chemicals are used on the roads to melt ice and snow . Be sure to get regular oil changes and tune-ups to keep your car running smoothly all season long .
Create an Emergency Kit
During a winter storm, you may lose power and be unable to heat your home or water. plan ahead by gathering supplies in case you need to stay in your home for several days.
– stock up on non-perishable food such as canned goods, dry cereal and peanut butter
– have plenty of bottled water on hand (1 gallon per person, per day)
– get a first-aid kit with supplies for minor injuries
– have extra blankets and warm clothes for each person in your household
– get a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed about changing weather conditions
– have a charged cellphone in case you need to call for help
