We know the question on your mind — when’s it going to get cold again?

Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in our city for December, January, and February.

While exact weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what winter will bring.

Reminder: The first day of winter is on Saturday, Dec. 21.

The NOAA predicts equal chances for a warm/cool/average KC winter. | Graphic by NOAA

Temperature

Prepare for it all. In true Midwestern fashion, KC is predicted to have equal chances of warmer, cooler, or completely normal winter temps.

Fingers crossed for lots of snow *and no black ice.* | Graphic by NOAA

Precipitation

Expect the unexpected. KC is also predicted to have equal chances of above + below average snow and rainfall amounts this winter — so maybe click save for later in the Amazon cart for the professional snowblower you've been eyeing.

The NOAA predicts that drought conditions will improve this winter. | Graphic by NOAA

Drought

Drought conditions are expected to improve and lift this season.

December's Deal

Typically in KC, December's temperatures fluctuate between an average high of 41.7° and an average low of 25.5°. It is the month with the most snowfall, with 4.41 inches of accumulated snow. Heads up — with an average of nine and a half hours of daylight, December is also our darkest month of the year.

Jump into January

January, like December, is a wintry month here, with an average high temperature of 39.6°F and an average low-temperature of 22.5°F. As you can probably imagine, this makes January the coldest month (and the best to break out those woolen mittens).

February's Forecast

This is the last full month of winter, but it is a frosty one, with an average high-temperature of 44.6°F and an average low of 26.2°F. The average sunshine duration in February is 6.2 hours, but the dark doesn't stop us from celebrating outside.