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PrintCOLUMBIA — After unusually high temperatures hitting the 70s at the start of the week, snow could slow Missouri travelers down on Thanksgiving day.
The National Weather Service predicts about a half-inch of snow Thursday with a high of 36 degrees.
If the snow falls hard at the beginning, it will stick, said Ben Miller, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis. But the ground temperature is still about 40 degrees, he said. So it is likely that the snow will melt when it hits the ground.
“We know that it’s going to be a busy travel day,” said Missouri State Highway Lt. John Hotz. “The big thing to remember ... is to slow down and drive at a speed appropriate to the conditions.”
Hotz also urges travelers to be patient, wear a seat belt and allow extra time to arrive safely.
Jill Stedem, public information specialist with Columbia’s Public Works Department, said the city is ready to deal with severe weather.
Today, snow plows will do a practice run of their routes in anticipation of winter weather.
“Crews are on standby,” Stedem said. “They’ll be ready to go.”
The National Weather Service also predicts thunderstorms early Wednesday morning and rain intermittently for the rest of the day. Temperatures will cool and Columbia may see snow in the late afternoon. The snowfall could continue into the early hours of Thanksgiving. Friday will kick off the weekend with a high of 40. Temperatures may creep up to the mid 40s on Saturday and Sunday.
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