Snow? Will We Even SEE Any This Year? Tuesday, January 17, 2012 By Sophomore Garrett Ourth The chart shows the amount of snowfall last year compared to what has happened so far this year. - Garrett Ourth and Sean Brier Advertising During this time of year, the temperature is usually below freezing. Snow covers the tops of mountains and the troughs of valleys, lakes are frozen, and people around the U.S. have on their winter coats and break out their shovels to clear their driveways. Strangely, that is not the case this year. Winter hasn't been much of winter this year in the United States. Flowers are sprouting in January in New Hampshire, the Sierra Mountains in California are nearly snow-free, and lakes in much of Michigan still have not frozen. Why is this strange phenomenon occurring? “We have been under the influence of the Pacific Jet Stream rather than the Arctic Jet Stream for most of this winter. That means slightly more moderate air moves our way,” said KMBC 9 News  Meteorologist Joel Nichols via an email interview. “This may change around the third week of January though,” added Joel. The change in the weather to freezing temperatures and snow will definitely be something to watch. There are some people who are glad that there has been no snowfall this year. “I like snow, but I don't like the cold that comes with it. I just prefer to not have any snow at all,” said Sophomore Ashlea Schmitz. “I also hate that we [students] have to make up the days we miss because of the snow,” added Ashlea. Some people, on the other hand, welcome the cold and the white blanket it brings. “I love snow! I love playing outside in the snow with my sisters. We go sledding, have snowball fights, build snowmen, and whatever else we can find to do. After we’re done outside, we go inside and our Mom makes us hot chocolate,” said Sophomore Jessica Anderson. Take heart those of you who love a winter wonderland. Winter isn’t over yet. Jessica and other students in the US waiting on the snow to fall still have almost two months of winter left.   February, on average, is one of the snowiest months. “It is possible that we could still pick up several inches before spring. However, dry spells are quite hard to break, so this may end up being a below average snow season after two very above average seasons,” explained Nichols. “So far, this winter has been a very low snow season. The Kansas City area usually receives 21 inches of snow in a season. So far this winter, we have only received .02” of snow. Last year in the month of January, we received 20-1/2,” Nichols went on to explain. This year will most likely fall short of the past years in the amount of snow fall according to the experts, so when it DOES snow like the small dustings we have seen recently, you better get out there with a rake and shovel and enjoy what snow you can.

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