As autumn rolls on, meteorologists are offering an early glimpse at what the upcoming winter could bring. With a La Niña weather pattern now in place, the Northeast is expected to experience a dynamic mix of mild periods and sharp winter blasts as the season unfolds from November through January.
The latest outlook from The Weather Company and Atmospheric G2 suggests that November will start on the mild side for much of the eastern United States. Warm, sunny days are expected to outnumber cold ones early in the season, particularly across the upper Midwest and into parts of the Northeast. Occasional cool fronts may move through, but widespread winter conditions are not expected to settle in until later.
As December approaches, the pattern is forecast to shift dramatically. Cold air masses will become more persistent across the northern tier of the country, including the Great Lakes and parts of the Northeast. Quick-hitting Alberta clippers could bring brief but intense snowfalls, followed by sharp temperature drops. Lake-effect snow is likely to ramp up during this period, potentially delivering heavy accumulations downwind of the Great Lakes.
The Pacific Northwest is projected to experience a consistently active storm track, which will help reinforce colder air across northern states. Meanwhile, the Desert Southwest should retain above-average warmth into early winter.
By January, the Northeast may see a brief mid-winter thaw, with some milder days returning. However, forecasters caution that these warm spells will likely be short-lived, as storms and cold fronts are expected to regularly push through, resetting temperatures to more typical winter levels.
Source: The Weather Channel