Moving to kansas city-what is the weather really like? (Springfield: home, living in)

[MrsMo]

Its not bad all the time. Just be sure to have a good air conditioner to survive in the summer! I've seen winters with no snow or ice and others with lots of snow and some ice . The largest tornado in the metro I can truly remember was the Ruskin tornado in 1957.

[denverian]

Originally Posted by smellykat

Too, too NOT true! Winters can be cold, but not TOO cold (as in Alaska) with occasional snowfalls (nothing is more beautiful than the Plaza lights on a snowy winter night). The Kansas side gets the brunt of the winds especially in March, but the wind gusts are not so extreme as on the western plains of Kansas or eastern Colorado plains. Kansas Citians, on both sides of the state line, enjoy their beautiful decks, patios, front porches, pools, outdoor eateries spring, summer and fall. I can't think of a more pleasant experience than eating outdoors, people watching, enjoying a too-die-for (blue, blue skies framing crimson and yellow gold trees) fall day on the Plaza or walking my dog in Loose Park with the roses in bloom. Too rainy, too dry, too hot, too humid! You are just too, too much, Denverian!

I grew up in JoCo and I don't remember people enjoying the outdoors much. Going outside in summer has to be followed by a shower! But to each his own. If you like sticky humidity, bugs, and sweat, then KC has the summers for you!

Another thing I've noticed is how much warmer Denver feels in winter compared to KC. KC has a more humid cold, which really gets you in the bones! In Denver, if it's sunny and not windy in January, even temps in the 30s feel ok. Plus average highs in Denver are higher in winter than in KC, and the sun is stronger.

[Hazel W]

It just depends on which day you ask. Today in JoCo, the high was 84. A few days ago, the high was 71. Whatever we have in this area seldom lasts more than a day or two. We have had times when it lasted longer but not usually. Even today, with 84 degrees, there is a lovely strong breeze.

[GraniteStater]

I have 50% Norwegian heritage and never tolerated Kansas summers well at all. I figured out that I would be happier at a location at a much higher latitude with cooler temps and a lower sun angle. (I found what I was looking for at around 43-44N and the latitude of Kansas was only 38.5-39N). I don't miss the wind or extreme changes in the weather AT ALL.

[smellykat]

Originally Posted by denverian

I grew up in JoCo and I don't remember people enjoying the outdoors much. Going outside in summer has to be followed by a shower! But to each his own. If you like sticky humidity, bugs, and sweat, then KC has the summers for you!

Another thing I've noticed is how much warmer Denver feels in winter compared to KC. KC has a more humid cold, which really gets you in the bones! In Denver, if it's sunny and not windy in January, even temps in the 30s feel ok. Plus average highs in Denver are higher in winter than in KC, and the sun is stronger.

And I grew up in JOCO too, denverian, and I do remember people enjoying the outdoors! Apparently much of your childhood was spent indoors. Afternoon summer showers are not the norm in KC. I think you have your cities confused because you are describing a southern, more tropical climate. I do not find the humidity to be extreme in KC or the bugs to be extreme. I do not experience excessive sweating during the summer in KC. Perhaps you lived in Houston or Florida in another life!

[gonefishingw2boys]

I have only been in KC, MO for a few months, relocated from Columbus, OH. IMO each persons tolerance for the weather depends on where they grew up or are familiar with. I find (again, just so far) that the weather is very similar to Columbus and I really like it so far. I enjoy 4 seasons. I just hope winter brings more snow than ice.... I do not like the ice!
That being said, I hope we get to go sled riding this winter, makes the hot chocolate that much more enjoyable.
Embrace the seasons!

[denverian]

Originally Posted by smellykat

And I grew up in JOCO too, denverian, and I do remember people enjoying the outdoors! Apparently much of your childhood was spent indoors. Afternoon summer showers are not the norm in KC. I think you have your cities confused because you are describing a southern, more tropical climate. I do not find the humidity to be extreme in KC or the bugs to be extreme. I do not experience excessive sweating during the summer in KC. Perhaps you lived in Houston or Florida in another life!

I meant that after stepping outside, I needed to take a shower from sweating!

I left KC at in 1986, and for most of my life since then, I've lived in Southern California and Denver, where there is no sticky humidity, and bugs are very minimal, so I have a very different perspective. Every time I visit KC in summer, I can't wait to leave and find it miserable. If you've never lived in a dry climate, you probably don't know what you're missing!

[STLCardsBlues1989]

I really don't mind humidity myself. I guess I'm used to it.

But some people just can't handle it.

[northbound74]

Originally Posted by denverian

I meant that after stepping outside, I needed to take a shower from sweating!

I left KC at in 1986, and for most of my life since then, I've lived in Southern California and Denver, where there is no sticky humidity, and bugs are very minimal, so I have a very different perspective. Every time I visit KC in summer, I can't wait to leave and find it miserable. If you've never lived in a dry climate, you probably don't know what you're missing!

I've lived in a dry climate out west, and don't miss it at all. Some like it, that's okay. I like trees. I like grass. That grows naturally, of course.
Compared to places in the south, though, KC is a bit dryer on average, and most summers I've noticed that there's a break in the heat from time to time, unlike Little Rock when I experienced 100+ heat.. every.... single...... day..... for a...... whole.... month...... friggin' yuck.... and the day's around those 100 degree ones were 90+ for two or three months.. with truckloads of humidity.....I'm gagging now.... must move on.....

I like cool/downright-cold climates.. humid or not.

[smellykat]

Originally Posted by denverian

I meant that after stepping outside, I needed to take a shower from sweating!

I left KC at in 1986, and for most of my life since then, I've lived in Southern California and Denver, where there is no sticky humidity, and bugs are very minimal, so I have a very different perspective. Every time I visit KC in summer, I can't wait to leave and find it miserable. If you've never lived in a dry climate, you probably don't know what you're missing!

I have lived in a dry climate - Phoenix! I hated it! The monotony of the weather drove me crazy. So did the lizards and scorpions, and the 130 degree summer days! There is a down side to most cities weather wise.