Persistent Winter

Fresh snow in the morning sun — January 2019

A seemingly endless parade of snow and ice in Kansas City

Observing a few good days at the beginning of the month in Kansas City, the remainder of the month was unreasonably frigid, as usual. When the sun did shine, the world was blinding white.

One of the few clear days in KC - February 2019 

In no time at all for temperatures to drop to their normal average of below 0°C. Freezing rain glazed the city, followed immediately by snow, briefly paralyzing the town.

Growing ice in KC — February 2019

It continued to sneak up on the population overnight at random intervals throughout the entire month. Snow that appeared at the first of the month, now hidden below fresh snow, along with with even colder temperatures, ensured everything remained solidly frozen in place.

Yet more night snow in KC — February 2019

More snow is scheduled too. It is nothing unusual. This is likely the most terrible time of the year in this part of the country, but it will be over soon. Spring is due any day now.  Expeditions to new places,others more familiar, along with associated observations from the road continue when things thaw.

Freezing and Thawing

Looking west on East 14th Street towards Main Street in Kansas City - January 2019

A few photos and thoughts on the progress of winter in Kansas City

It started off mild enough. Temperatures lingered between 5–10°C and the wind, almost completely absent. Remaining outdoors for a short time in these conditions requires little effort, but indoors is preferable for long periods.

Looking up at the dome of the historic Empire Theater in Kansas City

As temperatures drop, pulling snow and ice down from the skies, leaving to go anywhere can seem too much a chore. Outdoors becomes too formidable. Harassing and howling winds are too oppressive. Simply watching the snow fall from the comfort of home is the preferred choice for many.

A snowy field in northern Kansas City - January 2019

Large fluffy snowflakes fell thick and wet this time, sticking to everything. It piled up 20 cm in the area, and as much 30 cm in parts nearby. More followed, and temperatures locked below 0 °C ensured the blanket of white would remain for a few weeks. Falling to -20 °C for a few days ensured folks remained indoor at all costs.

Ice Mushroom - February 2019

Blue skies unfolded on the final day of the month, and an increase in temperature melted the world. Odd shapes appeared here and there, and the blanket of white gave way to muddy strains of green and brown. It will not last long though. February is notorious for being unruly, and more negativity from the polar regions is forecast.  Expeditions to new places,others more familiar, along with associated observations from the road will persist when things thaw more.