NOAA Winter 2018-19 Outlook: Good Start for Colorado, Utah, Alaska | Average Winter Everywhere Else

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Can we expect days like these next winter? Credit: SnowBrains

Yes, we know winter still feels like months away, and how accurate can a forecast 6-months out be, but that doesn’t stop us pouring over the data and hoping, just hoping, that this winter will be the best yet. So, thanks to the NOAA, who just released their winter weather outlook for the upcoming winter, let us just try and get little excited, ok?

The NOAA already predicted a 70% chance of chance of El Niño during the fall and winter 2018-19, with the temperature and precipitation outlooks consistent with increasing odds of El Niño development and its typical influences. So what does all this mean to predicted precipitation and temperatures?

NOAA, winter outlook
Above normal temperatures across the country. Credit: NOAA
NOAA, winter outlook
Early precipitation looking good for CO, UT, AK (and Florida!). Credit: NOAA

Looking at the maps, the 2018-2019 winter will start with below average to equal chance of precipitation for the Pacific Northwest as well as the Northern Rockies and New England. Alaska, Colorado, Utah and the Southern Rockies should see above average precipitation to start the winter season. California and the East Coast will see a normal start. Temperatures are forecasted to be above average across North America.

NOAA, winter outlook
Temperatures staying above normal all winter. Credit: NOAA
NOAA, winter outlook
Normal, or below normal, precipitation as winter progresses. credit: NOAA

As winter progresses, temperatures across the whole country are forecast to remain above average, and other than Alaska, precipitation is forecast to be either normal, or less than normal.

Not what we wanted to hear! But, like we said, this is 6-months away, so things can change. And, after the previous couple of winters, there are some areas that would welcome an average snowfall year.


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