Active weather pattern and wintry precipitation chances

We have an active weather pattern which will bring precipitation chances and colder air to the area through Christmas week with most days in the 30s and nights in the 20s. The upper level winds moving in off the Pacific will dive south across the west coast and lift to the northeast. Upper level disturbances traveling to the northeast will bring precipitation chances to Missouri.

The first wave is forecast to move through southern Missouri Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Pacific moisture carried in with this wave will override the cold air mass in place, producing light precipitation. At this time it looks like the air will be cold enough to produce light snow with minor accumulation of up to an inch possible south of I-70 and a dusting to no accumulation north.

The second, stronger wave will also move to our south and spread snow, possibly mixed with rain into areas south of I-70 during the day, spreading north as light snow Friday night. Due to the southern track of this system, only light amounts of precipitation are expected, mainly in the form of snow. If the wave tracks farther south, we could miss the precipitation completely. The track is still uncertain on forecast models and is something we will watch the next couple days. Please check back for updates.