Weather in December in Missouri is characterized by cold winters, icy roads, and plenty of sunshine. The state experiences a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers.
Each city in Missouri has its unique weather conditions in December, with average high temperatures ranging from 39°F to 45°F (-4°C to 7°C). The Ozark Mountains and the Missouri River Valley have different climates, with the mountains experiencing colder temperatures and more snowfall.
Winter Storms and Freezing Temperatures in Missouri
Winter storms and freezing temperatures are common occurrences in Missouri during the month of December, bringing with them harsh weather conditions that can impact daily life. The state’s location in the Midwestern United States, where cold air from Canada and warm air from the Gulf of Mexico collide, creates a unique weather pattern that can lead to significant snowfall and freezing temperatures.
Formation and Impact of Winter Storms
Winter storms in Missouri are formed when a low-pressure system develops in the central United States, typically in the Rocky Mountains or the Great Plains. As the system moves eastward, it picks up moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, which can lead to significant snowfall and freezing temperatures. The impact of winter storms in Missouri can be severe, with snowdrifts up to 10 feet deep and temperatures plummeting to as low as -20°F (-29°C). The heavy snowfall can also lead to power outages, transportation disruptions, and property damage.
Average Duration and Frequency of Freezing Temperatures
According to data from the National Weather Service, freezing temperatures are common in Missouri during the month of December, with an average duration of 10-15 days. The frequency of freezing temperatures varies throughout the month, with the first week of December typically being the coldest. On average, Missouri experiences around 10-15 days per year with temperatures below 32°F (0°C), with some areas experiencing more than 20 days.
Average Snowfall Totals and Ground Temperature Conditions
Snowfall totals vary greatly across different regions in Missouri, with the western part of the state receiving less snow than the eastern part. According to data from the National Centers for Environmental Information, the average snowfall totals for the month of December are:
- Western Missouri: 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm)
- Central Missouri: 4-6 inches (10.2-15.2 cm)
- Eastern Missouri: 6-10 inches (15.2-25.4 cm)
Ground temperature conditions can also vary greatly across different regions in Missouri, with some areas experiencing warmer temperatures than others. According to data from the National Weather Service, the average ground temperatures for the month of December are:
| Region | Average Ground Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|
| Western Missouri | 30-40°F (-1.1 to 4.4°C) |
| Central Missouri | 25-35°F (-3.9 to 1.7°C) |
| Eastern Missouri | 20-30°F (-6.7 to -1.1°C) |
Winter Weather-Related Travel Disruptions in Missouri
Winter weather in Missouri, particularly in December, can cause significant travel disruptions, affecting both road and air travel. With a moderate to high frequency of winter storms and freezing temperatures, drivers and air passengers may face hazardous conditions, including reduced visibility, slippery roads, and potential flight cancellations. Missouri’s unique geography, with a mix of urban and rural areas, can exacerbate these issues, making it crucial to understand the common weather-related hazards and develop effective strategies to mitigate their impact.
The most common weather-related hazards for drivers in Missouri during December include:
- Reduced Visibility from Snow and Freezing Fog: Missouri’s rolling hills and valleys can trap cold air, leading to significant fog and reduced visibility, making it difficult for drivers to navigate the roads.
- Icy and Slippery Roads: Freezing temperatures can cause moisture on the roads to freeze, turning them into icy and slippery surfaces, which can lead to accidents and vehicle skidding.
- Blowing Wind and Drifting Snow: Strong winds and heavy snowfall can cause drifting snow, reducing visibility and making it hard for drivers to stay on course.
These hazards can be particularly challenging for drivers who are not familiar with Missouri’s roads or are not equipped with proper winter driving gear. It is essential for drivers to slow down, use low gear when driving uphill, and leave plenty of space between vehicles to account for potential stopping time.
Air passengers may also face disruptions due to winter weather, including:
- Flight Cancellations and Delays: Winter storms can cause airport closures, leading to cancellations and delays of flights.
- Dangerous Travel Conditions: Airports may experience reduced visibility, slippery runways, and other hazardous conditions, making it difficult for air travel to resume safely.
- Overbooking and Overcrowding: Airlines may experience an influx of passengers trying to rebook flights, leading to overcrowding and further travel disruptions.
Passengers should stay informed about flight schedules, check for updates from airlines and airports, and consider rebooking flights in advance to minimize the impact of winter weather disruptions.
To mitigate the impact of winter weather conditions on road travel, Missouri’s Department of Transportation (MoDOT) employs several strategies:
- Pre-Treatment of Roads: MoDOT crews apply pre-treatment chemicals to roads to prevent ice from forming, reducing the risk of slippery roads.
- Salting and Sander Operations: Crews use salt and sand to improve traction on roads, making it safer for drivers to navigate.
- Monitoring Weather Conditions: MoDOT closely monitors weather conditions, adjusting road maintenance strategies as needed to address emerging hazards.
These strategies have helped reduce the number of accidents and improve road safety in Missouri, particularly during periods of heavy winter weather.
Airlines use several strategies to minimize the impact of winter weather on air travel:
- Adaptive Flight Scheduling: Airlines adjust flight schedules and routes to account for predicted weather conditions, reducing the risk of flight disruptions.
- Weather-Related Flight Cancellations: Airlines proactively cancel flights in anticipation of severe weather, allowing passengers to rebook or take alternative arrangements.
li>Communication and Coordination: Airlines work closely with airports, MoDOT, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth communication and coordination during winter weather events.
Historical data on major snowstorms and freezing events in Missouri during December indicates that the state experiences an average of 4-6 significant winter weather events per year, with some events causing widespread disruptions to both road and air travel. By understanding these hazards and developing effective strategies for mitigation, Missouri can minimize the impact of winter weather on travel and ensure a safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable experience for drivers and air passengers alike.
Some notable events include:
| Date | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| December 2006 | Ice Storm | Widespread power outages, road closures, and property damage |
| December 2013 | Blizzard | Severe snow drifts, reduced visibility, and flight cancellations |
| December 2020 | Freezing Fog | Reduced visibility, road closures, and flight disruptions |
These events highlight the importance of being prepared for winter weather in Missouri and underscores the need for ongoing efforts to improve road maintenance and flight scheduling strategies.
Some notable winter storms include:
- The 1959 Great Blizzard: A severe blizzard dumped over 20 inches of snow in some areas, causing widespread disruptions and power outages.
- The 1993 Ice Storm: A prolonged ice storm caused widespread power outages, road closures, and property damage.
- The 2011 Groundhog Day Blizzard: A severe blizzard dumped over 10 inches of snow, causing flight cancellations, road closures, and power outages.
These events demonstrate the potential severity of winter weather in Missouri and the need for ongoing preparedness and mitigation strategies.
Winter Weather Emergency Preparedness in Missouri
As winter storms continue to affect Missouri, it’s essential to be prepared and have a plan in place for emergency situations. Winter weather emergencies can arise suddenly, leaving people stranded and without essential resources. Having a household emergency kit and knowledge of emergency communication procedures can make all the difference in staying safe and secure during these events.
Essential Supplies for a Household Emergency Kit
Having a well-stocked emergency kit can ensure that you have the necessary supplies to sustain yourself and your family during a winter storm. This kit should include essential items such as:
- Water and Non-Perishable Food: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. Include non-perishable food items such as canned goods, energy bars, and dried fruits.
- First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any prescription medications.
- Flashlights and Batteries: In case the power goes out, have flashlights and extra batteries on hand.
- Warm Clothing and Blankets: Include warm clothing and blankets to stay warm if you lose heat.
- Radio and Communication Devices: A battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio can keep you informed about weather conditions and emergency instructions.
- Important Documents: Keep copies of essential documents such as insurance policies, identification, and birth certificates in a waterproof container.
Having these essential supplies can help ensure that you and your family are prepared for any winter storm scenario.
Emergency Communication Procedures and Protocols
In the event of a winter weather emergency, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest developments and follow local authorities’ instructions. Here are some emergency communication procedures and protocols implemented by local authorities:
- The Missouri Department of Transportation provides up-to-date road conditions and travel advisories on their website and through social media.
- The Missouri National Guard and local emergency management agencies may activate emergency alert systems to notify the public of impending weather events.
- Local authorities may establish emergency shelters and warming centers for those in need.
- The American Red Cross provides emergency assistance and shelter services during winter weather emergencies.
Staying informed and following local authorities’ instructions can help keep you and your family safe during a winter storm emergency.
Protecting Your Home and Property
Protecting your home and property from damage due to snow and freezing temperatures requires some preparation and planning. Here are some steps you can take:
- Clear Gutters and Downspouts: Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris to ensure proper water flow and prevent ice dams from forming.
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas such as the garage, basement, or crawlspace to prevent freezing and bursting.
- Prevent Ice Buildup on Roofs: Use snow guards or other ice-prevention measures to prevent ice from accumulating on your roof and reducing the risk of collapse.
- Prevent Slipping and Falling: Clear sidewalks, driveways, and porches of ice and snow to prevent slipping and falling.
By taking these steps, you can help protect your home and property from damage due to snow and freezing temperatures.
The Role of Climate Change on December Weather in Missouri
Climate change is a pressing global concern, and its effects on regional weather patterns, including Missouri’s December weather, are becoming increasingly evident. With rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns, understanding climate change’s role in shaping winter weather conditions is essential for forecasting and preparedness. In this segment, we will explore current climate modeling and predictive technologies used to forecast winter weather conditions, discuss potential local impacts of climate change on Missouri’s December weather, and examine how the warming trend in regional temperatures may influence future winter weather patterns.
Current Climate Modeling and Predictive Technologies
Climate modeling and predictive technologies have advanced significantly in recent years, enabling scientists to better understand and forecast winter weather conditions. Key technologies include:
- Global Climate Models (GCMs): These high-resolution models simulate the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and land surfaces to predict climate patterns, including temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns.
- Regional Climate Models (RCMs): These models focus on specific regions, such as the Midwest, to provide more detailed and accurate predictions of local climate conditions.
- Atmospheric and Land Surface Models (ALSMs): These models simulate the interaction between the atmosphere and land surfaces to predict weather patterns, including precipitation and temperature.
- Weather Forecasting Models (WFM): These models use high-performance computers to simulate the atmosphere and predict short-term weather patterns, including winter storms and cold snaps.
- Warmer winters: Rising temperatures may lead to fewer extreme cold snaps and colder temperatures, altering the state’s typical winter weather patterns.
- Changes in precipitation patterns: Shifting precipitation patterns may result in more frequent and intense winter storms, leading to increased flooding and icing events.
- More extreme weather events: Climate change may lead to more frequent and severe winter weather events, such as blizzards and ice storms.
- Altered freeze-thaw cycles: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns may affect the timing and severity of freeze-thaw cycles, impacting agriculture and infrastructure.
- Shifts in snowfall patterns: Warmer temperatures may lead to reduced snowfall in some areas, while increasing it in others.
- Changes in lake-effect snowfall: The warming trend may alter the formation and intensity of lake-effect snowfall, which can impact local precipitation patterns.
- Altered Arctic Oscillation (AO) influence: Climate change may impact the strength and frequency of the AO, which can influence winter weather patterns in the Midwest.
- Increased drought risk: Warmer temperatures may lead to increased drought risk in the region, particularly during the winter months.
块quote>The GISS Model E2 is a widely used GCM that simulates the Earth’s climate and has been used to predict regional climate patterns, including temperature and precipitation changes in Missouri.
These technologies have improved climate forecasting accuracy, allowing for more effective planning and preparedness for winter weather events.
Potential Local Impacts of Climate Change
Climate change is expected to have significant local impacts on Missouri’s December weather, including:
These changes will likely have significant implications for Missouri’s economy, infrastructure, and ecosystems.
Influence of Regional Temperatures on Future Winter Weather Patterns, Weather in december in missouri
The warming trend in regional temperatures is expected to influence future winter weather patterns in Missouri, including:
These changes will likely have significant implications for Missouri’s winter weather patterns, infrastructure, and economy.
Wrap-Up: Weather In December In Missouri
Weather in December in Missouri can be unpredictable, but with proper preparation and knowledge, you can stay safe and enjoy the winter season. Remember to check the latest forecasts and road conditions before traveling.
FAQs
Q: What are the chances of snow in December in Missouri?
A: There is a moderate chance of snow in December in Missouri, with an average of 0.5-1.5 inches (1.3-3.8 cm) of precipitation.
Q: How cold does it get in Missouri in December?
A: The average low temperature in Missouri in December is around 24°F (-4°C), with temperatures sometimes dropping below 0°F (-18°C).
Q: When does the longest night occur in Missouri in December?
A: The longest night in Missouri occurs on December 21 or 22, with the sun setting at around 4:30 PM.
Q: What are the best times to visit Missouri in December?
A: The best times to visit Missouri in December are during the warmer days, typically on Fridays, when the average high temperature can reach 45°F (7°C).
Q: How common are winter storms in Missouri in December?
A: Winter storms are relatively common in Missouri in December, with an average of 2-3 significant snowfall events occurring during the month.
