Local Climate

Kansas, the premier wheat state, has an annual mean temperature close to that of the national mean, 54.68°F and 54.45°F, respectively. More sunshine than that of any state to the east, and generous summer rains which, in the eastern counties, average heavier than those of other states, except a few along the Gulf Coast. This favorable combination of weather elements and availability of more arable land than that in any other state, except Texas, accounts for the high rank of Kansas in crop production, finished livestock, and dairy products.

The state lies across the path of alternate masses of warm moist air moving north from the Gulf of Mexico and currents of cold, comparatively dry, air moving from the polar regions. Consequently, its weather is subject to frequent and often sharp changes, usually of short duration.

Summers are inclined to be warm–often the word “hot” describes them best–but are healthful, with low relative humidity during periods of high temperatures, and usually good wind movement. Heat prostrations are almost unknown. Summer nights are usually cool, especially in the western counties. 

Winters are drier, with more sunshine than those of eastern states. The average snowfall is less than that of other states, except those located farther south. Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, and the New England States normally have from two to three times as much snowfall as Kansas.

The average precipitation in Pottawatomie County from 1981 – 2010 was 34.97 inches annually.