With the winter weather season approaching, the Star-Journal reached out to the National Weather Service to see what the people in Johnson and Pettis counties should expect over the coming weeks and how they should be preparing.
“Through Christmas, we're going to be seeing above normal temperatures and out there in the Warrensburg and Sedalia areas,” NWS Lead Forecaster Chris Bowman said. “Probably looking at highs in the upper 50s to maybe even 60 degrees on some days.”
With the lack of cold temperatures, Johnson and Pettis county residents can wait until 2024 for snow. However, Bowman says there is still precipitation on the way. Rain of “about an inch to maybe an inch-and-a-quarter” should be expected.
“(In) Missouri, the weather is very highly variable being in the middle of the country,” Bowman explained. “You can usually get the system bringing cold air from Canada (and) we can usually get systems bringing in moisture from warm air from the south and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.”
Bowman says that it's not out of the ordinary to see the winter weather extend into the spring months. In fact, at one point during his now 14-year career at the Pleasant Hill office, there was snow in early May.
“I think it's safe to say that we'll have a couple winter systems,” Bowman said. “As far as the predictability goes for when and how much there is, there's no way to say with any level of confidence.”
Snow and sleet brings the potential dangers of slipping, aquaplaning, and increasing likelihood of crashes. So, Bowman advises to drive slow, maintain a distance, and maybe pack a winter driving kit including socks, extra clothes, hats and gloves. He also recommends to check the weather frequently, as there is no telling what’ll come when you wake up in the morning.
“People should always be keeping track of the forecast throughout the year,” he said, “but it's probably more important in the wintertime where you really do have that potential to have a quick drop in temperatures.”
Zach Bott can be reached at 660-747-8123.
