Winter Misery Index: This year is the worst since 2014
The cold weather has yet to let up in Mid-Missouri, following one of the coldest Novembers on record. It’s this cold that has many talking about just how miserable the weather has been.
The Winter Misery Index, a product of the Midwestern Regional Climate Center (MRCC) backs that up. Much like the 2014-2015 season, the data shows that the early winter season has ranked as extreme, the highest on a scale from mild to extreme.
According to the MRCC, The Accumulated Winter Season Index as it is officially known, is related to the intensity and persistence of cold weather, the amount of snow, and the amount and persistence of snow on the ground.
So far this season, we have seen numerous records tied or broken. They are as follows:
– 2 new daily snowfall records —– November 8 (1.5″) and November 12 (1.4″)
– A record low —– November 10 (16 degrees)
– Coldest high —– November 27 (26 degrees)
– Snowfall days —– 5 days (Tied for 1st)
While more snow is on the horizon, the unseasonably cold weather looks to regress as we head into the coming days. This will come as a ridge builds into the heart of the nation and will lead to a return to warmer conditions.
The Climate Prediction Center highlights this scenario, as a large portion of the nation will finally catch a break from the cold weather through the next few weeks.
