How Cold Does St. Louis Usually Get in the Winter?
When considering the winter climate in St. Louis, it's important to understand the typical temperature range, common weather phenomena, and how it compares to other regions in the Midwest. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what you can expect during the coldest months in St. Louis.
Typical Winter Temperature Range
During the winter season, St. Louis experiences a range of temperatures from about 20°F to 40°F (-6°C to 4°C). The average low temperature in January, the coldest month, hovers around 24°F (-4°C) with an average high of 39°F (4°C). However, extreme cold snaps can occasionally push temperatures below 0°F (-18°C).
Weather Patterns and Precipitation
Although not as frequent as snow in some northern regions, snowfall is not uncommon in St. Louis. The city typically receives around 18 inches (46 cm) of snow per year. Snowfall during December, January, and February is common, but it usually melts away shortly after for the remainder of the winter season. This year, December saw no snowfall, indicating a relatively mild start to the season.
Climate Comparison to Other Regions
St. Louis has a climate that is milder than Chicago, being located at a more southern latitude, around 38 degrees North. This location affects the frequency and intensity of extreme weather conditions such as ice storms and snowfall. Cities like Dallas, Shreveport, Birmingham, and Atlanta are situated on a borderline where these events are felt more frequently and intensely.
Compared to cities such as Oklahoma City, Little Rock, Memphis, and Nashville, which are in the same climate zone as Chicago, St. Louis is significantly closer to the northern border of this region. This geographical position means that snow and ice events might occur more frequently and with greater intensity. For example, Memphis is closer to Chicago than to the Gulf of Mexico, and it often experiences ice storms and snowfall. In contrast, St. Louis, located about 200 miles north, is closer to Canada and can expect more than 3–4 days per season to be below freezing, sometimes even an entire week. The single-digit lows that are common in St. Louis are more frequent and severe compared to the temperatures just north of the borderline, where negative numbers are rarer.
Conclusion
In summary, while St. Louis experiences cold winters, the severity and frequency of extreme conditions vary compared to other locations in the Midwest and the southeastern United States. Understanding these nuances in the local climate is crucial for residents and visitors alike, whether for preparation or simply to have realistic expectations.