AccuWeather just released their official winter weather forecast / prediction / outlook. The Global Weather Center is predicting the return of an El Niño weather pattern will have a significant influence on the winter season.
“Ski areas from Washington to central and northern California will have a good year with an extra boost possible from the late December and January pattern”
The meteorologists at AccuWeather believe the winter season will start out mild for much of the Northeast, mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes before colder weather digs in its heels in January and February.
Ski resorts in the Rockies could be in for a mixed bag of both near normal and below normal snowfall.
Find the original post here: AccuWeather’s US winter forecast for 2018-2019 season
Heat and dryness to dominate the Southwest
A typical El Niño brings wet and cool weather to the Southeast; however, the pattern is forecast to be a bit different this season.
The interior Southwest is likely to end up drier, with more precipitation reaching central California, particularly mid-season.
According to [Paul] Pastelok: “It will still be a bit of a down year as far as moisture goes. El Niño may not give them what they need and they could go back into drought next year.”
At times, the region may experience slightly above-normal temperatures, especially in February.
Cities such as Flagstaff, Albuquerque and Las Vegas could run as high as 2-4 degrees Fahrenheit above normal.
Snow and rain may target the Northwest and Rockies
A phenomenon known as a pineapple connection could take place this winter, drawing a deep flow of moisture into the western U.S.
“Places on the West Coast could get hammered,” Pastelok said.
Central and Northern California to Oregon are likely to experience the heaviest precipitation, with flooding and mudslides not out of the question.
January into very early February is forecast to be the stormiest period for the Northwest and Northern California before conditions dry out in February.
“Ski areas from Washington to central and northern California will have a good year with an extra boost possible from the late December and January pattern,” Pastelok said.
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Find the original post here: AccuWeather’s US winter forecast for 2018-2019 season
