Weather
Missouri Winter Outlook 2026-27: St. Louis Snow, Cold Chances
St. Louis, MO – Missouri residents preparing for the 2026 27 winter season could see warmer than normal temperatures, but snowstorms, freezing rain and Arctic cold remain possible across St. Louis, Ka
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-10-16T16:18:02.759Z
St. Louis, MO – Missouri residents preparing for the 2026 27 winter season could see warmer than normal temperatures, but snowstorms, freezing rain and Arctic cold remain possible across St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield and surrounding communities.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center, seasonal outlooks issued Thursday, October 15, favor above normal temperatures across Missouri from November 2026 through January 2027, while precipitation predictions vary across the state.
What temperatures could Missouri experience?
NOAA's temperature outlook places much of Missouri within an area showing approximately a 40% to 50% probability of above normal temperatures during the three month period.
This suggests the season could average warmer than usual, although individual cold outbreaks and freezing temperatures remain possible.
For St. Louis and eastern Missouri, the outlook favors milder seasonal conditions without ruling out significant winter weather.
Kansas City, Columbia, Jefferson City and Springfield could experience similar temperature trends.
Will Missouri see more snow this winter?
NOAA's precipitation outlook shows equal chances of above normal, near normal or below normal precipitation across much of Missouri.
However, portions of southern Missouri lean toward above normal precipitation, potentially increasing opportunities for rain or winter precipitation when temperatures are sufficiently cold.
The outlook does not provide specific snowfall totals or predict individual winter storms.
Forecasters are also monitoring very strong El Niño conditions, which are considered highly likely to continue into winter.
El Niño can influence storm tracks and precipitation patterns across the United States, but its effects are not identical every year.
For Missouri motorists, snow, ice and freezing rain could still affect Interstate 70, Interstate 44 and Interstate 55 during individual winter systems.
Residents should monitor National Weather Service updates as winter approaches, particularly for changing snowfall forecasts and hazardous travel conditions.
While Missouri's seasonal outlook favors warmer temperatures overall, significant winter storms remain possible.