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The National Weather Service is predicting a winter storm will bring 6 to 12 inches of snow to the Kansas City area.
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Introduction
According to the National Weather Service, the Kansas City area can expect to receive anywhere from four to six inches of snowfall by the time the storm system moves out on Sunday.
The Science of Snow
Snow is one of the most beautiful things in the world. It’s also one of the most difficult things to forecast. Why? Because snow is tricky. It all has to do with the temperature and the way the air is moving.
The Three Types of Snow
There are three types of snow: dry, wet, and powdered.
Dry snow is the most common in Kansas City, and it’s what most people think of when they imagine fresh fallen snow. It’s also the lightest type of snow, which is why it’s often used in making snowmen.
Wet snow is heavier than dry snow and can be more difficult to shovel. It can also stick to surfaces more easily, which is why it’s often used in snowball fights. Wet snow is made up of tiny crystals that are bonded together by water molecules.
Powdered snow is the lightest and fluffiest type of snow. It’s made up of very small crystals that are easy to blow around in the wind. Powdered snow is often used in skiing and other winter sports.
The Three Main Factors That Affect Snowfall
There are three main factors affecting snowfall: moisture, temperature, and lift.
Moisture is needed for snow to form, so the amount of moisture in the air will have a big impact on how much snow falls. The temperature also plays a role in how much snow falls, because if the air is too warm, the snow will melt before it reaches the ground.
Lift is a bit more complicated. Lift is caused by differences in air pressure, and it helps to push the air upwards. This can help to form clouds, and eventually snow.
The History of Snow in Kansas City
Winter weather in Kansas City can be unpredictable, but one thing is for sure – the city always looks beautiful covered in a blanket of snow. In the last few years, there have been several major snow storms that have caused havoc in the city. Let’s take a look at the history of snow in Kansas City.
The Three Biggest Snowstorms on Record
Kansas City is no stranger to snow. In fact, the city sees an average of 15.8 inches of snowfall each year. But every now and then, Mother Nature throws us a curveball and we get dumped with a ton of the white stuff. Here are the three biggest snowstorms on record in Kansas City:
March 12-14, 1888: 20.5 inches
This was the largest snowstorm on record in Kansas City until 2012. It paralyzed the city for days and caused massive amounts of property damage.
February 5-6, 2011: 12-18 inches
A winter storm swept through the Midwest, bringing with it heavy snow and high winds. Schools and businesses were closed for days, and travel was nearly impossible.
January 22-23, 2016: 9-12 inches
The “Blizzard of 2016” didn’t quite live up to its name, but it still caused plenty of problems. The most significant issue was the massive amount of ice that accumulated on power lines and trees, which led to widespread power outages.
The Forecast for This Year
Winter weather can be unpredictable, but that doesn’t stop people from wanting to know what to expect. The Farmers’ Almanac has released their winter forecast, and according to their predictions, Kansas City is in for a pretty average winter.
The Three Main Factors That Will Affect the Amount of Snowfall
There are three main factors that will affect the amount of snowfall Kansas City will experience this year.
1) The amount of moisture in the atmosphere
2) The temperature of the air
3) The elevation of the land
