October brings a shifting weather pattern

As we head through the month of October we typically start to see drastic changes in the weather pattern. Less daylight, along with the southerly movement of the jet stream makes for cooler weather. For the start of October, the average high is 72 degrees with the average low at 50 degrees. Closing the month we will see the average high drop 10 degrees, maxing out at 62. The average low temperature drops to 41 degrees.

With these cooler conditions in play we see an increased chance to receive our first freeze. During the month of October, on average, the Northeast, Great Lakes, Midwest, and Plains all receive their first freeze. By October 15th, far northern Missouri typically sees overnight lows drop to 32 degrees or below. Closer to home in mid-Missouri, the average first freeze holds off until November 1st.

As we talk about temperatures dropping below freezing, you may wonder when we typically see our first snowfall here in mid-Missouri. The NWS indicates the first measurable snowfall, on average, holds off until November or December in mid-Mo. Areas north of I-70 typically see first snowfall by November. As you move south of I-70 that date gets postponed until December.

Stay up to date with the changing weather pattern through the month of October with the ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team, on air and online.