Temperature Conditions of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the fourth largest river in the world and a vital lifeline for the United States. It runs through 10 states, from Minnesota to Louisiana and is the largest river system in North America. The river can be frozen in the winter months, but the extent of the freeze varies. It depends on the temperature of the air, the water level and the presence of other weather conditions in the vicinity.
At any given time, the Mississippi River may be frozen over in some areas. It is more common to see ice accumulations in the northern parts of the river, such as the headwaters of Minnesota or Wisconsin. In some of the states further south, it is unusual to have ice on the river. Even then, the ice may only form near the shore or in shallow areas. The Mississippi River rarely completely freezes.
When the temperatures drop far enough, the Mississippi River’s surface does freeze. The river then becomes covered with sheets of ice that are up to several inches thick. Rivers freeze from the surface, which means the deeper the river, the less likely it is to be affected. This explains why the river seldom completely freezes over.
The Effect of Precipitation on Water Temperature Levels
The water temperature of the Mississippi River can plummet when low temperatures, snow and ice are present. If a sudden drop in temperature occurs, such as with a cold snap, the river can freeze over almost instantaneously. But during the warmer months of the year, the temperature of the river is much higher, and the Mississippi rarely freezes.
To further complicate matters, precipitation also affects the temperature of the river. When snow, ice and cold rain occur, the temperature of the water is lowered. This is due to a process known as evaporative cooling. This occurs when liquid water evaporates—the energy needed to make this possible is taken from the liquid itself, resulting in cooling. The energy is also taken from the surrounding atmospheric air, lowering its temperature even further.
Protecting the Aquatic Wildlife
When the Mississippi River does freeze in its upper reaches, it can create a range of issues for the aquatic wildlife. Fish, mussels and other creatures need to keep moving to regulate their body temperature and obtain the oxygen they need. If the river completely freezes, the aquatic wildlife can become stranded and die.
Local communities are very aware of the implications of the Mississippi River freezing and often take action to prevent it from occurring. For instance, some communities use machines to break up the ice and keep the river flowing. This helps to keep the water oxygenated and warm enough to sustain aquatic life.
Implications of a Frozen Mississippi River
Aside from impacting on the aquatic wildlife, a frozen Mississippi River also affects the people living nearby. Freezing rivers can disrupt operations at businesses and major ports located along the river. Even with icebreakers and other preventative measures, the Mississippi River can still be hazardous to cross and operations have to be postponed.
It is also dangerous for people to walk and ride across frozen rivers, such as the Mississippi River. The climate of the area is constantly changing and the ice on the river may not be as sturdy as it appears. This can lead to life-threatening situations and therefore should always be avoided.
Seasonal Temperatures of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is typically warmest to the south and colder towards the north. The typical temperatures range from an average of 28 degrees Fahrenheit or less in the northern sections, to nearer 70 degrees Fahrenheit or greater in the southern sections throughout the summer. During the winter months, temperatures tend to drop across the entire river and hovering around 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
The temperatures of the Mississippi River are highly dependent on the amount of precipitation, snow and other weather- factors that can change very quickly. This means that the temperature of the river is highly unpredictable and can be affected by a wide-range of factors.
Weather Forecast for the Mississippi River
The River Forecast Center of the National Weather Service (NWS) monitors the temperature of the Mississippi River and has a dedicated website with forecasts for river conditions. The NWS River Forecast Centers provide up-to-date information from over 2,500 locations across the United States. This includes an overview of the Mississippi River’s temperature, along with other major rivers across the country.
Using this platform, individuals and businesses can get an accurate and detailed picture of current river conditions and plan accordingly. In some cases, this means delaying operations during the winter, or making the necessary preparations when the weather becomes too risky. The NWS River Forecast Centers provide customers with invaluable insight and make navigating the Mississippi River much safer.
Coping with Extreme Weather Events on the Mississippi River
Droughts, floods and unusual temperatures can occur when there are extreme weather events in the region. It affects the aquatic wildlife, human activity and other associated industries, such as fishing and boating. During periods of extreme weather, taking the necessary precautions is essential to minimize the impact and to protect the Mississippi River from unnecessary damage.
If severe winter freezing is predicted, local authorities may decide to close roads, ports and other areas near the river. This is done to protect the public from hazardous conditions. Operation of icebreakers in the river is also increased to avoid the risk of flooding and other potential disasters.
Keeping the Mississippi River Free of Ice
In order to prevent the Mississippi River from freezing over, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers uses a variety of methods to control the temperature of the water. This includes launching heated barges onto the water, dumping heated rocks and salt into the river and using specialized underwater cables to introduce warmth.
The Corps of Engineers also uses strategic engineering practices to control the level of the river. These include constructing ice v-walls and the use of levees—in this way, they can control the amount of water flow and ensure that the river continues to flow.
Maximizing on Opportunities on the Mississippi River
Regardless of whether the Mississippi River is frozen or not, there are still plenty of opportunities to explore it. Tourists, locals and industry-operators can take advantage of the river and enjoy the stunning scenery and abundant wildlife.
The most popular activities on the Mississippi River include kayaking, fishing, water sports, boat rides and sightseeing. Fishing is one of the more popular activities and people regularly visit the river to catch the likes of bass and catfish. Canoe tours, organized by local councils, provide visitors with breathtaking views, where they can even spot blue herons and bald eagles.
Conserving the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River supports a wide range of aquatic species, provides us with recreation opportunities and serves as an important source of water. It is therefore essential that it is protected and conserved. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has developed several initiatives to ensure that the river’s resources are managed responsibly.
Individuals can also take it upon themselves to protect this important resource by avoiding littering, disposing of waste and chemicals properly and by following local regulations when fishing or recreating on the river.
Developing Land Around the Mississippi River
Due to the abundance of water and flat land, the Mississippi River has seen significant development over the past two centuries. Crops such as rice, cotton and soybeans are grown on land surrounding the river, and cities such as St. Louis and Memphis have also expanded near the Mississippi River.
Many of the cities surrounding the Mississippi River have also undergone extensive renovation. They are now tourist hotspots and home to vibrant communities, with a wide range of businesses, parks and attractions.
The Impact of Climate Change on the Mississippi River
Climate change affects the Mississippi River in a variety of ways. The changing temperature patterns have a direct influence on the water levels and the success of the agricultural production in the area. Agriculture is a major industry near the river and its success is highly dependent on the level of soil moisture and other climate conditions.
The changing climate also affects the aquatic species in the Mississippi River and the people who rely on it for their livelihoods. This is due to the changing frequency and intensity of floods, droughts and other weather events in the region.
Safeguarding the Mississippi River for Future Generations
The Mississippi River has been an important resource for generations and has seen its fair share of challenges. By taking the necessary precautions and protecting the river, people living and visiting the river can safeguard its longevity.
By using the resources available to them and following local regulations, individuals can ensure this important resource is not put in harm’s way. Only through taking the necessary steps will we be able to ensure the Mississippi River is given its rightful respect.
