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This weekend’s winter storm is expected to bring a few inches of snow to the Kansas City area. Here’s what you need to know.
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Introduction
Kansas City is expecting to receive several inches of snow over the next few days. Here’s what you need to know about the forecast.
The science of snowfall
In the lower Midwest, where Kansas City is located, snowfall is highly variable from one year to the next. Some years see very little snow, while others bring several major storms.
So how do meteorologists predict snowfall? And how accurate are their forecasts?
The science of snowfall prediction has come a long way in recent years, thanks to advances in computer modeling and our understanding of the atmosphere. Meteorologists now have a pretty good idea of when and where a winter storm is likely to form, and they can often give reasonably accurate estimates of how much snow will fall.
But there are still some challenges in making an accurate forecast. Snow can be notoriously difficult to predict because it requires just the right combination of temperature, moisture, and lift in the atmosphere. If any one of those ingredients is not quite right, the snow will either not form or will melt before it reaches the ground.
Even when all the ingredients are favorable for snow, there can still be uncertainty in the forecast. That’s because computer models can sometimes disagree on exactly how those ingredients will come together. And even small changes in the atmospheric conditions can have a big impact on whether it snows or not.
So while meteorologists’ predictions have gotten better over the years, there is still some uncertainty when it comes to forecasting snowfall. But if you’re hoping for a white Christmas, there’s no harm in keeping an eye on the forecast and crossing your fingers for some cold, snowy weather.
How much snow is Kansas City supposed to get?
As of late January, the National Weather Service is predicting that Kansas City will see between 6 and 12 inches of snowfall over the next week.
Why do we get different amounts of snow?
There are a variety of factors that can affect how much snow a certain area receives.
Some of these factors include:
-Size and altitude of the geographic location
-How close the location is to large bodies of water
-Prevailing winds in the area
-Temperature of the air and ground
The size and altitude of a geographic location can affect how much snow it gets because larger areas and higher altitudes tend to be colder than smaller areas and lower altitudes. The closer a location is to large bodies of water, the more moderate its temperatures will be. This is due to the fact that water heats up and cools down more slowly than land. Prevailing winds can also affect how much snow an area gets. If an area is located in a region where prevailing winds blow from the north or northeast, it is more likely to receive snow than an area located in a region where prevailing winds blow from the south or southwest. The temperature of the air and ground can also affect how much snow an area gets. If the air temperature is below freezing, but the ground temperature is above freezing, the snow will not stick to the ground and will quickly melt.
How can we prepare for a big snowstorm?
The snowstorm is expected to bring up to two feet of snow to the area, so it’s important to be prepared. There are a few things you can do to make sure you’re ready for the storm:
-Stock up on supplies like food, water, and batteries.
-Make sure your car has a full tank of gas.
-Clear your sidewalks and driveways so they’re safe for walking and driving.
-Shovel snow from around your car so you can get out if you need to.
-Check on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly or have young children.
With a little preparation, you can weather the storm safely and without too much inconvenience.
Conclusion
As of now, it appears that the storm will skirt just north of the city, which means that we could see a few inches of accumulation. However, this is still a developing situation and it’s possible that the storm could change course and head further south, which would bring more snow to the city. In any case, it’s a good idea to be prepared for winter weather and have a plan in place in case of an emergency.
