Contents
Looking to find out when Kansas City gets the most snow? Check out our blog post to find out!
Checkout this video:
The science of snow
According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center, the averge snowfall for Kansas City is around 10.5 inches per year. The most snow in one season was back in 2007-2008, when Kansas City got about 29 inches of snow. But why does it snow?
How snow forms
Snow forms in cold clouds when the water vapor in the air becomes a solid. This usually happens when the air is full of very small ice crystals. The water vapor condenses on these tiny ice crystals, and as more vapor condenses, the ice crystals grow. They might grow until they are large enough to fall out of the cloud as snowflakes.
The types of snow
There are two types of snow – one is the dry, powdery, flakey type that is ideal for snowballs and snowmen. The other is the wet, slushy, and icy type that is perfect for sledding and snowball fights. Depending on the temperature and humidity, either type of snow can fall from the sky.
Dry snow forms when the air is cold and there is little moisture in the atmosphere. The flakes are small and light because they haven’t absorbed much water vapor from the air. When conditions are just right, dry snow can create a thick blanket on the ground very quickly.
Wet snow forms when it’s slightly warmer outside and there is more moisture in the air. The flakes are larger and heavier because they’ve absorbed more water vapor. Wet snow can be more difficult to shovel because it’s heavier, but it’s great for packing into snowballs or making igloos.
Kansas City gets an average of 14 inches of snow each year, but the amount can vary greatly from year to year. The most snowfall in one season was 67 inches in 1983-1984, while the least was just 1 inch in 2011-2012.
Snow in Kansas City
Kansas City generally gets the most snowfall in January and February, but snowfall can happen as early as November and as late as April. The city averages about 12 inches of snow per year, but has seen as much as 40 inches in a single year. Snowfall in Kansas City can be unpredictable, but if you’re hoping for a chance to see some flakes, paying attention to the forecast in late winter is your best bet.
The average amount of snowfall in Kansas City
While Kansas City doesn’t get a ton of snow every year, when it does snow, it can be a doozy. The city’s record snowfall is 28.0 inches, which fell over a three-day period in January 2011. The biggest one-day snowfall was 14.0 inches on February 10, 2011.
On average, Kansas City gets about 18.5 inches of snow per year. This number can fluctuate greatly from year to year, however. For example, in the 2018-2019 winter season, the city only saw 5.3 inches of snowfall. The year before that, Kansas City experienced its third-snowiest winter on record with 58.1 inches of accumulation.
So when does Kansas City usually see the most snow? The majority of the city’s snowfall occurs between December and February. In fact, Kansas City has only had measurable snowfall in March seven times since 1887!
If you’re hoping to build a snowman or go sledding this winter, your best bet is to keep an eye on the forecast in late December and early January. That’s typically when Kansas City sees its heaviest snowfalls of the season.
The heaviest snowstorms on record in Kansas City
Kansas City doesn’t usually get a lot of snow, but when it does, it can be a doozy. Here are the five heaviest snowstorms on record in Kansas City, according to the National Weather Service.
-The storm of January 12-13, 2009, brought 15.8 inches of snow to Kansas City. This was the city’s third heaviest snowstorm on record.
-The storm of February 21-22, 2008, brought 15.5 inches of snow to Kansas City. This was the city’s fourth heaviest snowstorm on record.
-The storm of March 25-26, 1997, brought 14.4 inches of snow to Kansas City. This was the city’s fifth heaviest snowstorm on record.
The most recent snowfall in Kansas City
The most recent snowfall in Kansas City was on February 21, 2019, when 2.9 inches of snow fell. This was the largest snowfall in the city since February 12, 2014, when 6.4 inches of snow fell.
When to expect snow in Kansas City
Winter weather in Kansas City can be unpredictable, but there are some general patterns. The most snow usually falls in February, but December and January can also be snowy months. March can also be snowy, but it’s more likely to be a mixed bag of snow and rain.
The earliest snowfall on record in Kansas City
The earliest snowfall on record in Kansas City occurred on September 26, 1961. This early snowstorm brought about 1.4 inches (3.6 cm) of snow to the city, which caused disruptions to schools and businesses. The last time that Kansas City saw measurable snowfall in September was in 2009, when a trace of snow was recorded on September 29th.
While it is not unusual for snow to fall in the month of October in Kansas City, the earliest measurable snowfall on record occurred on October 12, 1979. This infamous winter storm brought up to 10 inches (25 cm) of snow to parts of Missouri and Kansas, and was responsible for widespread power outages and school closings. The last significant October snowstorm in Kansas City occurred in 2006, when 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) of snow fell on October 29th.
In recent years, the city has typically seen its first measurable snowfall of the season arrive in November. The latest date for measurable snowfall in Kansas City is April 20, when a trace of snow was recorded at KCI Airport. However, it’s not uncommon for areas north and west of the city to see late-season flakes as late as May.
The latest snowfall on record in Kansas City
The latest snowfall on record in Kansas City was on April 17, 2018, when 3.2 inches (8 cm) of snow fell. The most snow in one day was on February 12, 2006, when 12.4 inches (32 cm) of snow fell. Kansas City averages about 16 inches (41 cm) of snow per year.
The average date of the first snowfall in Kansas City
The average date of the first snowfall in Kansas City is November 15. The earliest recorded date for the first snowfall in Kansas City was October 2, 1950 and the latest recorded date for the first snowfall was December 31, 2006. Kansas City generally has about 17 inches of snowfall each year.
How to prepare for snow in Kansas City
It’s no secret that winter can be brutal in Kansas City. The cold temperatures and snowy weather can make it tough to get around. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for the snow. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to prepare for the snow in Kansas City.
Stock up on supplies
The next item on your to-do list is to make sure you have enough food and supplies to last a few days in case you lose power or can’t leave your house.
If you have pets, make sure to have extra food and water for them as well.
Once you have everything you need, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to stay warm. If you have a fireplace, now is the time to stock up on wood. If you don’t have a fireplace, make sure you have plenty of blankets and warm clothing.
Clear your sidewalks and driveway
If you live in an area where it snows, you know that one of the most important things you can do to prepare for a winter storm is to clear your sidewalks and driveway. This will help prevent injuries and make it easier for people to get around.
There are a few different ways to clear snow, but the most important thing is to do it before the snow gets too deep. A shovel is usually the best tool for the job, but you may also need an ice scraper or snow brush.
If you have a lot of snow, you may want to consider hiring a professional snow removal service. This can be especially helpful if you have a large area to clear or if you don’t want to risk injuring yourself.
Check your car’s tires and brakes
Make sure your car is ready for winter weather by getting a tune-up and checking the brakes, battery, fluids, and tires. It’s also a good idea to have an emergency kit in your car with items like jumper cables, flares, a first-aid kit, and a shovel.
If you live in an area that gets a lot of snow, you might also want to invest in winter tires. Winter tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and ice and can help improve your safety on the roads.
