US winter forecast predicts drought relief but northern snow shortage

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 21:14 · Archive

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts wetter conditions in southern drought-hit regions this winter, but drier conditions and below-normal snow in the north.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released its winter weather outlook Thursday, predicting conditions from December to February shaped largely by El Niño, a warming pattern in the tropical Pacific Ocean. Southern states including the Southwest, Southeast and portions of the East Coast should see wetter-than-average conditions, potentially easing long-standing drought in those regions.

The North will fare differently. Much of the northern tier of the country – the Northeast, Great Lakes, Upper Midwest and Northern Rockies – is expected to experience below-normal precipitation and snow. Meteorologists from AccuWeather predicted that Chicago, Boston, New York and Philadelphia will receive about half or less of their normal winter snow, though Salt Lake City is forecast to see above-normal amounts. Parts of the Southern Rockies, Southeast and Southwest may receive more snow than usual.

Ken Graham, director of NOAA's National Weather Service, cautioned that while El Niño typically brings stormier weather to the southern US, 'too much precipitation on dry soil can fuel destructive flash floods and mudslides'. Communities in affected regions were advised to prepare for these risks. No states are forecast to be cooler than average; much of the Lower 48 is expected to be warmer than normal.

How it is being reported

• US winter is likely to be wetter and warmer, forecasters say, with more snow in the southEl Niño will likely shift weather patterns to bring more rain, but much snow still isn’t forecast for the northern sates Winter in the United States looks like it will generally be wetter and warmer, but not necessarily snowier, according to the federal government’s seasonal outlook and other meteorologists’ forecasts. You can thank or blame El Niño. El Niño is likely to shift weather patterns to bring more moisture, but with it higher temperatures. That should help erase persistent western drought, but it won’t likely make northern snow-lovers happy, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric…Guardian World · 15 Oct, 21:44
• NOAA issues new US winter forecast - and a snow warning for East Coast citiesthe weather service doesn't make seasonal snowfall predictions, their meteorologists said much of the Northern parts of the country — including the Northeast, Great Lakes, Upper Midwest and Northern Rockies — should expect below-normal snowIndependent World · 15 Oct, 20:53
• Winter may bring snow and rain to some drought-stricken U.S. statesThe National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's new winter weather outlook predicts wetter-than-usual conditions in some states plagued by long-standing drought.CBS News · 15 Oct, 19:02

In this story: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration · El Niño · Ken Graham · Southwest · Southeast · Northeast

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