Insider Blog: How wind speeds in the atmosphere impact your snow totals

This week's snow storm will bring measurable snow to most if not all of mid-Missouri, but the largest snow totals will sit on the western half of our viewing area.

This is due in part to something we call the low level jet. 

This region of relatively strong winds at low levels of the atmosphere, will push snow totals higher by bringing in more moisture and causing more lift in the atmosphere.

The low level jet will be stronger over parts of eastern Kansas and western Missouri; increasing snowfall potential for folks in the western half of our viewing area.

This enhanced region of wind will be just one part of the equation that helps dump more snow over our western counties. Combine this with warmer temperatures to the southeast, and you have a indication of why the snowfall forecast has a decreasing total gradient from northwest to southeast.