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As much as we love winter, we all know that snow can be a pain to deal with. If you’re wondering how much snow Kansas City will get tomorrow, we’ve got you covered. Check out our blog post to find out!
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The Science of Snow
Snow is one of the most beautiful things in nature. It’s also one of the most difficult to forecast. In this article, we’ll take a look at the science of snow and how meteorologists predict how much snow will fall.
How Snow Forms
Most of us have seen snow fall from the sky and have experienced the chilly weather it brings, but how does it actually form? Believe it or not, the science behind snow starts with water vapor—the same thing that makes up clouds.
As air rises and cools, water vapor in the air turns into tiny water droplets. At first, these water droplets are too small to fall as precipitation. However, as they rise and fall within a cloud they eventually become heavy enough to fall from the sky as rain or snow.
The type of precipitation that falls depends on the temperature of the air within the cloud. If the air is warm, rain will fall. But if the air is cold, like it is during most winters, those same water droplets will turn into snowflakes instead.
The Different Types of Snow
Snow is beautiful, but did you know that there are actually different types of snow? Snowflakes form in many different shapes and sizes, and can be classified based on their appearance. The six main types of snowflakes are viruses, dendrites, stellar plates, columns, needles, and spatulas.
Viruses are the most common type of snowflake, and are characterized by their small size and simple shape. Dendrites are similar to viruses in that they are small and have a simple shape, but they are distinguishable by their complex branch-like structure.
Stellar plates are snowflakes that have a flat structure with six points. Columns are long and thin, with a cylindrical shape. Needles have a long, thin structure as well, but they taper to a point at one end. Spatulas have a broad structure with a flat base and rounded edges.
Now that you know about the different types of snowflakes, you can go out and enjoy the beauty of winter!
How to Measure Snowfall
Many people are interested in finding out how much snowfall their city will get in a given day or week. Some people want to know for school closures, while others want to know for travel planning. There are a few different ways to measure snowfall, and each has its own set of pros and cons.
Using a Ruler or Yardstick
To measure the snowfall using a ruler or yardstick, simply stick the ruler or yardstick straight up into the snow. Be sure that the entire stick is buried in the snow, and that it is level with the ground. Once the stick is level with the ground, mark where the snowline is on the stick. Remove the stick from the ground, and measure from the bottom of the stick to the mark that you made. This will give you an accurate measurement of how deep the snow is.
Using a Snow Gauge
Using a Snow Gauge
The National Weather Service relies on a network of trained volunteer observers to help measure snowfall across the country. These observers use a standard 8-inch metal ring, known as a snow gauge, to measure the depth of new snowfall. The measurements are then sent to the National Weather Service for inclusion in official records.
If you would like to measure snowfall in your area, you can purchase a snow gauge from most hardware or home improvement stores. Once you have your gauge, follow these instructions:
1. Place the snow gauge in an open area away from trees, buildings, or other objects that could block the falling snow.
2. Make sure the top of the gauge is level with the ground.
3. Allow the snow to accumulate until it reaches the 8-inch mark on the gauge.
4. Use a ruler or tape measure to record the depth of the new snowfall in inches.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 after each significant snowfall event until all of the snow has melted away.
Using a Snowboard
To measure the amount of snowfall using a snowboard, start by clearing an area of fresh snow that is at least 10 inches deep. Next, mark off a one-foot by one-foot square with sticks or other objects. Carefully remove the snow from the square, being careful not to compress it too much, and weigh it in pounds on a scale. To convert the measurement to inches, divide the weight in pounds by 12.
How to Predict Snowfall
Checking the Weather Forecast
A few days before a major winter storm, you’ll want to start checking the forecast to see how much snow is expected. The amount of snowfall is usually given in inches, and you can often find specific information for your city or region.
There are a few different ways to check the forecast. You can look at the news, listen to the radio, or check online. The National Weather Service (NWS) is a good place to start. They have a website that you can use to check the forecast for your area, and you can also sign up for email or text alerts.
Once you have an idea of how much snow is expected, you can start making preparations. If you need to travel during the storm, make sure you have a plan B in case the roads are too dangerous. And if you’re staying home, make sure you have enough food and supplies to last for a few days in case of an emergency.
Checking the Satellite Imagery
The National Weather Service will often include a section in their written forecast discussion describing what the latest satellite imagery is showing. They’ll also give a sense for how confident they are in the forecast based on what the satellite is currently seeing.
Checking the Radar
If you’re wondering how many inches of snow will Kansas City get tomorrow, the best way to check is by checking the radar. The National Weather Service has a variety of different resources that you can use to check the radar, including:
-The National Doppler Radar Site
-The National Weather Service’s WSR-88D Radar Sites
-The NOAA National Weather Radio All Hazards Network
Once you have checked the radar, you will be able to see how much snow is expected to fall in your area.
