Officials share how to ‘dress for the weather’ on Halloween

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Families are getting their costumes and baskets ready to hit the hot spots of St. Joseph for trick-or-treating on Halloween night.

With most heading out around dusk, safety remains a top priority, especially along busy areas like Ashland Road. 

Drivers are urged to slow down and be vigilant for children crossing the street.

For kids walking along sidewalks, safety experts recommend carrying flashlights or glow sticks and adding reflective tape to costumes to help them stay visible after dark.

While Halloween is often known for chilly weather, in years past, it hasn’t always been that way. According to climatological data from Rosecrans Memorial Airport, the warmest Halloween on record was in 1950, when temperatures hit 88 degrees. The coldest high temperature was just 36 degrees.

This year’s forecast is looking cool once again, with highs in the 50s. 

Experts said the safest temperature for kids to be outside is 30 degrees or higher. A light jacket should be enough for daytime trick-or-treating, but after sunset, it would be good to layer up with a heavier jacket, as temperatures drop quickly.

When getting ready to dress up, it’s also important to remember to make sure that when wearing masks or face coverings, they are kept loose, as they can make it harder to breathe.

For families looking for alternatives to door-to-door trick-or-treating, several community events are happening across St. Joseph. 

Grace Calvary Chapel will host “A Night at the Big Top Carnival,” while Anderson Outdoor will hold a Trunk-or-Treat event on Oct. 31. 

The St. Joseph Police Department will also host a Trunk-or-Treat on Oct. 28, ahead of Halloween night.

News-Press NOW will update this story.