The first snowfall of the season

Here in mid-Missouri some areas experienced the first snowfall of the season. Areas to the north saw more snow than the southern portions. There were reports of up to an inch of snow in some northern portions of mid-Missouri. However, most areas saw just a few flurries mixed with mostly rainfall.

Since temperatures were right around the freezing mark in much of mid-Missouri, we did not see heavy amounts of snow. Temperatures are colder as you go higher up in the atmosphere, allowing for snow to develop and fall to the ground, even on days when the surface temperatures are not above the freezing mark. When the temperatures hover above freezing at the surface, the snow quickly melts as it reaches the ground. If it hasn’t completely melted before reaching the ground, the snow will melt as it touches the ground since the ground temperature isn’t below freezing.

Temperatures will be more optimal for heavier snowfall by mid week. This week, as a upper level trough digs into the United States, frigid Arctic temperatures will arrive in Missouri. This will allow for our second chance of snow to arrive on Wednesday. The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team will be tracking this winter weather throughout the week, keeping you updated on air and online.