JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – NOAA’s newest Winter 2025–2026 outlook, released Thursday, Oct. 16, shows Missouri heading into a colder, more active start to 2026 — with frequent snow and ice events possible through February. The Climate Prediction Center’s data highlights above-normal precipitation and below-normal temperatures across much of the central U.S., a hallmark of La Niña’s winter influence.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, “This setup favors multiple snow and mixed-precipitation systems crossing Missouri from January into early March.” Northern counties such as Kirksville, Hannibal, and St. Joseph could see the heaviest snowfall, while central and southern zones — including Columbia, Springfield, and Cape Girardeau — may experience alternating rounds of sleet, freezing rain, and wet snow.
The most active stretch appears likely from mid-January through mid-February, when Arctic fronts push south and collide with Gulf moisture. Travel on I-70, I-44, and U.S. 63 could be disrupted several times by ice and snowpack. MODOT officials are advising drivers to prepare for long-duration storms and quickly changing road conditions.
Forecasters also warn that colder-than-average temperatures may persist into March, prolonging frost and delaying early planting. Residents are urged to test heating systems, stock fuel, and keep emergency supplies handy for potential power interruptions during icy events.
For Missouri, Winter 2026 looks to bring a classic mix of Midwest cold, snow, and ice — not extreme, but steady enough to make preparedness essential through the heart of the season.
