NORTH CAROLINA -- NOAA has issued its annual "Winter Weather Outlook" for this coming winter.
- Warmer temperatures are predicted for most of the U.S.
- Forecast predicts North Carolina to see average temperatures
- North Carolina could see above average precipitation
In general, it is expected that a large portion of the U.S. will experience a warmer than average winter. The only location where that is not expected is right here in the Southeast. But don't let that worry you. We are not expected to be unusually cold, either. In fact, the outlook is for us to see a pretty typical winter temperature-wise.
Precipitation-wise, things could be different. A weak El Nino is expected to develop early this winter. El Nino is warmer than average ocean temperatures in the central Pacific. During El Nino events, the Southeast U.S. typically sees above average precipitation.
So, the general idea is we will see higher than average precipitation amounts early this winter then somewhat drier conditions later in the winter with temperatures that will be around average.
Of course that does not tell us if the precipitation will be in the form of rain, snow, or ice. There are several factors that can impact temperatures at any given time that frankly make it impossible to predict precipitation types this far out.
We will just have to wait and see how it all plays out, folks!