According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, warmer than average temperatures are forecast for much of the US this winter. However, a wetter than average winter is predicted in the Midwest and northern states.
Mild Temperatures in December favor average to above average temperatures for much of the country Northern US forecast to turn colder January through April Above average precipitation across Northern States favors above average snow January through April
Usually the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate pattern influences winter conditions, but neutral conditions are in effect and expected to last through spring. When El Nino or La Nina is absent, other climate patterns play a larger role in determining winter weather forecasts. Long term trends become a key predictor for the outlook as other climate patterns only last a brief amount of time.
“Without either El Nino or La Nina conditions, short-term climate patterns like the Arctic Oscillation will drive winter weather and could result in large swings in temperature and precipitation,” – Mike Halpert, deputy director of NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center
Warmer than normal conditions are most likely in Alaska and Hawaii, while the remaining southwestern states and eastern seaboard have a modest probability for above average temperatures The remaining Northern Plains, Upper Mississippi Valley and Western Great Lakes have equal chances of below average, near average, or above average temperatures. No part of the U.S. is favored to have below average temperatures during this winter Above average precipitation for northern United States
Below average temperatures continue across Midwest, Great Lakes and spread into Northeast Above average precipitation continues across northern United States
Wetter than average conditions are likely in Alaska and Hawaii accompanied by parts of northern plains, upper Mississippi, Arkansas, and Oklahoma as well as areas of northern and central California. Drier than average conditions are likely for Louisiana, parts of Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas and Oklahoma and areas of northern and central California. The rest of the U.S. are on the tipping point for dry or wet precipitation.
Abnormally dry conditions are present across much of the Southern United States. The most severe drought concentrates in the four corners region of the southwest, central Texas, and parts of the southeast. While the drought is expected to improve in parts of the southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Alaska, and Hawaii, other regions will continue to experience drought in central Texas and the Southwest. Central California’s drought is anticipated to develop further.
Generac makes it a mission to keep you up to date on current and upcoming weather patterns, as well as real-time storm updates. As any winter storms may develop, we will bring you daily updates so you can prepare and stay safe. Speaking of preparation, our website has several winter articles designed to educate you on winter weather and storms. Stay warm out there.