Snow stats & February outlook

Our first month of 2018 is in the books and yet again, where's the moisture? With the exception of the northwest Kansas blizzard on the 22nd, there's just hasn't been that much to speak of around here in the last 30 days. The drought is expanding and will likely continue to do so through February.

First, look at some of the snow stats:

If winter ended today, Wichita would have the lowest snowfall in recorded history. It would beat out the winter of 1922/23 when the city only had .7"

And Dodge City isn't much better. Southwest Kansas hasn't been in the right spot either.
There is only one other year with lower snowfall, and that was the winter of 1903/04 with a whopping .2"

Sunday Snow Chance:
This isn't an organized storm, so we can't expect to get much out of this particular round of snow. And with temperatures being colder, moisture content will be very low. You would likely need 15 inches of snow to get 1 inch of rain, and we won't be anywhere close to 15" (won't even get half that amount) Best chances for any snow at all will be in northern Kansas.

February Outlook:
Temps: Expect several cold snaps coming up.
Precip: Bottom line is that I don't expect this very dry pattern to give up in the next 25-30 days (and likely even longer). The same kind of pattern that we've had for about 95% of the winter is likely to continue. Upper level winds will continue from the northwest, which essentially means more long, dry spells.

There will be the occasional light dusting of snow, but if you're looking for something substantial, chances are extremely low.

What about March? It's very early to say too much, but I think we have better chances for moisture in March. I'll keep you update.