Weather change coming to region

Snow is on its way to Cape Girardeau, according to the National Weather Service, although it may not stick around for long.

David Blanchard, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky., says a cold front will move into Southeast Missouri Thursday, ending the unseasonably warm temperatures enjoyed for the past few days.

Dropping temperatures Thursday night will bring a chance of sleet and snow, Blanchard said.

By Friday temperatures are expected to drop to about 38 degrees, and snow is expected.

Blanchard predicts up to 4 inches of snow in some parts of Southeast Missouri.

"We're talking below a winter storm watch criteria," he said. "Because the ground is warm the snow will probably melt when it hits the pavement, and it probably won't accumulate on highways."

As soon as a weather advisory is issued the Cape Girardeau Public Works Department will begin pretreating bridges and decks with a brine solution to prevent snow and ice from accumulating, assistant director Steve Cook said.

"We already have the salt," he said.

At least two area businesses are looking forward to more seasonal temperatures.

"Snow is just what we need. And the colder the better," said Sherry Yaeger, co-owner of Renaissance at 129 N. Main St.

The store and others downtown are preparing for Friday night's annual "Downtown Christmas Open House" sponsored by the Old Town Cape from 6 to 9 p.m.

Yeager said a shift from autumn to winter encourages shoppers to enjoy the event to the fullest and to spend more freely.

The store is decked out in full holiday regalia for the season.

Co-owner and husband Mike Yaeger doesn't think weather, with the exception of snowstorms, makes much of a difference to the store's sales. Holiday sales have been good this year, and he expects that to continue whatever the temperature.

Steven Gregg, owner of S. Gregg Gallery at 112 N. Main St. in Cape Girardeau, also doubts the weather makes a difference in sales in his establishment. Gregg said his customers aren't affected by weather conditions when it comes to purchases.

However, Greg Cook, a salesman at Zickfield's Jewelry and Gifts, 29 N. Main St., is looking forward to a bit of snow to encourage holiday shoppers to open up their wallets.

"It puts people in the buying mood," he said.

Cook said diamond jewelry is the most popular holiday item shoppers buy.

"We're hoping the cold weather and open house will kick off a great holiday season," he said. "It would help if there were flurries. Nothing sticking, just in the air."

cschmidlkofer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127