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It’s mid-November and everyone is wondering when it’s going to snow in Kansas City. Here’s what the experts are saying.
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Introduction
Although it’s not as if folks in Kansas City need an excuse to celebrate the winter season, there’s something about the first snowfall that makes everyone a little giddy. It’s a time to break out the cozy hats and scarves, make a fire in the fireplace, and watch the snowflakes lazily drift to the ground. Of course, all that fun can only happen if Mother Nature cooperates and actually drops some snow onKC. So, when is it going to snow in Kansas City?
The science of snow
Every winter, as soon as the first flakes start to fall, people start asking, “When is it going to snow in Kansas City?”
The answer to this question is not as simple as you might think. It all has to do with the science of snow.
First of all, let’s talk about what snow is. Snow is simply frozen water. It starts out as a snowflake, which is a tiny piece of ice. These snowflakes are so small that you can’t even see them.
As the snowflake falls from the sky, it gets bigger and bigger. When it reaches the ground, it is called a flake. The size of a flake can vary from very small to very large.
Now that we know what snow is, let’s talk about how it forms. Snow usually forms in clouds. These clouds are made up of tiny droplets of water. The temperature in these clouds is usually below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit).
When the temperature in the clouds is below freezing, the water droplets begin to freeze into ice crystals. These crystals grow and become flakes of snow. The flakes then fall from the clouds and onto the ground.
So, now you know how snow forms and what it is made of. But why does it sometimes seem like it takes forever for it to snow in Kansas City? The answer has to do with the temperature on the ground.
In order for snow to stick to the ground and accumulate, the ground must be cold enough. If the ground is too warm, the snow will melt as soon as it hits the ground. That’s why we generally don’t see much accumulation during our warm spells in winter (even though it may be cold enough for snow to fall from the sky). Eventually, though, we always have a cold snap that brings us some accumulation!
The history of snow in Kansas City
Kansas City averages about 15 inches of snow per year. The snowiest periods usually occur in January and February, although measurable snowfall can occur any time from late October to early April.
The most snowfall in one day occurred on February 12, 2011, when 9.8 inches fell. The most snowfall in one season occurred in 2007-2008, when 55.4 inches fell.
Kansas City’s first recorded snowfall occurred on November 26, 1858. The city’s deepest recorded snow depth was 20 inches on January 13, 1985.
The forecast for snow in Kansas City
The forecast for snow in Kansas City is looking good! The National Weather Service is predicting that the area could see up to 6 inches of snow by Friday night. This is welcome news for those who have been waiting for winter weather to arrive.
So far this season, Kansas City has only seen a trace of snowfall. The last time the area saw significant snowfall was back in February of 2019, when around 9 inches fell.
With the forecast calling for snow later this week, now is the time to start thinking about how you’ll stay warm and safe while enjoying the winter weather. Here are a few tips:
Dress in layers: Wearing several layers of clothing will trap heat and help keep you warm. Be sure to dress in windproof and waterproof gear if you’ll be spending time outdoors.
Stay hydrated: It’s important to drink plenty of fluids, even in cold weather. dehydration can make you feel tired and increase your risk of getting sick.
Limit time outdoors: If possible, try to limit your time outdoors when it’s cold or snowy. If you must go out, make sure to dress properly and take frequent breaks indoors to warm up.
Monitor your symptoms: Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
How to prepare for snow in Kansas City
Although snowfall in Kansas City is relatively rare, it does happen from time to time. When it does, it’s important to be prepared. Here are a few tips on how to prepare for snow in Kansas City:
-Shovel your walkways and driveways as soon as possible after the snow falls. This will help prevent ice from forming and make it easier to get around.
-If you have to drive, be sure to clear your car of any snow and ice before you start driving. It’s also a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car in case you get stranded.
-Dress warmly! Layer your clothing so that you can adjust if the temperature changes throughout the day.
By following these tips, you can help make sure that you’re prepared for any snow that comes our way.
Conclusion
Looking at the data, it appears that snowfall in Kansas City is heaviest in December and January, with lesser amounts in February and March. However, snowfall can occur any time of year in Kansas City, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared!
