According to federal forecasters, the upcoming winter in the United States is expected to have less snow and extreme cold outbreaks.
The North is predicted to be warmer than usual, while the South is anticipated to be wetter and stormier. This forecast is largely influenced by a strong El Nino, which significantly alters the storm tracks that the country is likely to experience from December to February.
Additionally, the impact of climate change and exceptionally warm oceans further contribute to the overall warming trend.
As a result, some storms that would typically bring snow to the northern regions are expected to bring rain instead. However, there is still a glimmer of hope for snow enthusiasts as the East Coast may potentially experience one or two significant Nor’easters.
In fact, parts of the East Coast, particularly the Mid-Atlantic, could even receive more snow than usual due to these weather patterns.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a significant portion of the United States is expected to experience above-average temperatures during the upcoming winter season.
This warmth is projected to extend from states such as Tennessee, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nevada, all the way up to the entire state of California.
Conversely, the remainder of the country is anticipated to have temperatures that either align with historical averages or possess an equal likelihood of being warm, cold, or normal.
Notably, NOAA’s predictions do not indicate any region within the United States to be cooler than normal throughout the winter.
These projections provide valuable insights into the expected climatic conditions and can assist individuals, businesses, and policymakers in making informed decisions regarding their winter plans and preparations.
According to Gottschalk, the probability of experiencing warmer than average conditions is significantly higher in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and northern New England.
This forecast is indicative of a trend that has been observed in recent years, wherein global temperatures have been on the rise due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
The consequences of such warming can be devastating, ranging from melting ice caps to extreme weather events.
On the other hand, a large portion of the southern United States is predicted to receive more rainfall than usual.
This forecast of added moisture spans from Massachusetts down the East Coast, covering most of the South below Tennessee, and extending west through Texas, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and most of California, but excluding significant portions of New Mexico and Arizona.
Such a forecast can have both positive and negative impacts, including flooding, crop damage, and increased water availability.
Therefore, it is crucial to monitor and prepare for potential changes in weather patterns to mitigate their effects on the environment and society.
According to the latest meteorological predictions, the Great Lakes region, along with the furthest northern parts of the nation extending from Lake Erie to eastern Washington, is expected to experience below-average precipitation levels in the coming months.
This forecast, which indicates a drier than normal condition, has raised concerns among various stakeholders, including farmers, environmentalists, and policymakers.
The implications of this weather pattern extend beyond mere inconvenience, as it can have far-reaching consequences on agriculture, water resources, and overall ecosystem health.
As the region heavily relies on precipitation for its agricultural activities, a prolonged period of reduced rainfall could potentially lead to crop failures, decreased yields, and economic losses for farmers.
Moreover, the scarcity of water resources could also impact industries dependent on freshwater, such as manufacturing and energy production.
It is essential for authorities and stakeholders to closely monitor this situation and take appropriate measures to mitigate the potential risks associated with this anticipated dry spell.
The occurrence of El Nino, a natural periodic warming of parts of the Pacific, has significant implications for weather patterns worldwide and the overall rise in global temperatures, as affirmed by Gottschalk and other scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The influence of El Nino is particularly pronounced in the United States during the winter season, when it alters the path of the jet stream, responsible for the movement of storm fronts, by directing it along an atypical trajectory dominated by warmer and moister Pacific air that descends southward.
Consequently, the South experiences increased rainfall, while late winter witnesses heightened storminess. Gottschalk emphasizes that El Nino often engenders “unusual severe weather across the state of Florida due to a strong subtropical jet stream.”
The changes in the jet stream can also result in storms along the East Coast, where moisture from the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico combines to produce heavy snowfall in major eastern cities. However, the occurrence of these snowstorms is contingent upon the timing of temperatures and other atmospheric conditions, making them infrequent.
Nevertheless, when the conditions align, these storms can intensify dramatically, exemplified by the paralyzing Snowmageddon storm that struck Washington in 2010, depositing over 2 feet of snow on the capital region during an El Nino event.
Typically, the South experiences not only increased precipitation but also cooler temperatures during El Nino. However, due to the warmer ocean temperatures and record-breaking hot summers, forecasters have abandoned the expectation of cooler conditions.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists have recently stated that climate change is an additional factor that needs to be taken into account when predicting weather patterns, particularly during the winter season.
This is due to the fact that winter is a season where the world sees some of the most warming above old normals from the burning of coal, oil and natural gas.
According to NOAA data, winter in the Lower 48 has warmed on average 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit (0.9 degrees Celsius) in the past 40 years.
Meteorologists outside of NOAA have also predicted a similar outcome for the winter season. Judah Cohen, a winter storm expert for Atmospheric Environmental Research, a commercial firm outside of Boston, believes that the Siberian snow cover, El Nino, and other factors indicate an overall mild winter.
When there is less fall snow in Siberia, the polar vortex, a mass of cold air centered at the top of the globe, tends to stay strong and keeps the frigid Arctic air penned up near the pole.
However, when there is more snow, the polar vortex is weaker and the frigid air escapes to the United States.
Cohen has warned people on the East Coast to be prepared for “weather whiplash” with not much snow in general except for one or two real gangbusters, especially in the Mid-Atlantic region.
According to the private firm AccuWeather, the upcoming winter season is expected to bring below average snowfall in several major cities across the United States.
These cities include Boston, New York City, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Chicago, and Minneapolis. With the anticipation of milder snowfall in these regions, residents and local authorities may find some relief in terms of snow removal efforts and potential disruptions to daily life.
However, it is important to note that weather forecasts are subject to change, and it is always wise to remain prepared for unexpected weather events.
On the other hand, AccuWeather predicts near average snowfall in cities such as Kansas City, Salt Lake City, and Philadelphia.
This suggests that these areas may experience a more typical winter season, with snowfall amounts falling within the average range.
Lastly, AccuWeather’s forecast indicates that Denver can expect more than normal snowfall this winter. This prediction may have implications for transportation, outdoor activities, and overall winter preparedness in the region.
As always, it is advisable for residents and travelers to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and heed any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities.
According to AccuWeather, a renowned weather forecasting agency, their predictions indicate that the upcoming period is expected to have less warmth compared to the forecasts provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
AccuWeather’s analysis suggests that specific regions, namely southern California, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, are likely to experience temperatures below the normal average.
This projection implies that residents of these areas should anticipate a slightly cooler climate than what is typically expected during this time of the year.
By highlighting these pockets of cooler weather, AccuWeather aims to provide individuals and communities with valuable insights to aid in their planning and decision-making processes.