FIRST ALERT WEATHER: Chief Meteorologist Ron Hearst releases his Winter Weather Outlook [Video]

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) — Ready for snow? Ready for bitter cold? Or maybe a warmer winter? KY3 Chief Meteorologist Ron Hearst predicts what he expects this winter.

Winter forecasting is never an easy endeavor. Many variables must come together at the right time to create snow. The issue with the Ozarks is that we are equal distance from the cold air of Canada as we are from the warm tropical air. Often, it is a matter of a couple of degrees or a few miles that makes all the difference.

This year, we are seeing active weather in the central Pacific Ocean and storms in the Gulf of Alaska. This will cause a ridge to form out west, which often deflects the storms north into Canada. We often get warm, dry air with bouts of deep cold, which can last for three or four days before we warm back up. …