Winter is coming: What to expect this year

Due to a recent volcano eruption in another part of the world, the coming winter will be much different from last year. Meteorologists say that this phenomenon can ultimately shape any upcoming season.

According to Accuweather, this winter is taking a different course. Their team of long-range forecasters studying computer models can predict if it will be a snowy winter. Accuweather senior meteorologist Paul Pastelok said there is much to learn from the forecast than just snowstorms.

Pastelok also said that it would be snowy this year across parts of the northern United States. His team has forecasted a “triple dip La Niña.” However, given that this year will be the third La Niña in a row, winter will not be the same as the previous years.

2. AccuWeather long-range forecasters are predicting a "triple dip La Niña," as it is the third winter in a row that La Niña will shape the weather patterns across the U.S.

So what is La Niña? ⬇️ https://t.co/DGN65V11Kg

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) October 9, 2022

The meteorologist also said, “These third-year La Niñas are very tricky.” A volcano eruption in the first weeks of this year has influenced the weather patterns this winter season. The volcano threw out an unusual amount of debris that still affects the Earth on a large scale.

With this phenomenon in consideration, the US winter forecast has been made. Here are the winter predictions for United States’ substantial cold-weather cities.

Southeast Winter

Winter is typically when people in the southeastern United States can expect cooler temperatures and perhaps even some snowfall. However, this year’s forecast is calling for a mild winter. While that may be good news for those who don’t like the cold, AccuWeather meteorologists are more concerned with the water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic Seaboard. These warm waters could lead to an increased risk of hurricanes and tropical storms.

Pastelok confirmed, “The water temperatures will have a big impact this season.” In addition to the last stretch of Atlantic hurricane season, the warm waters of the Southeast will bring frequent storms and rain across the region.

3. Residents in the Southeast should stay alert as warm waters off the coasts could promote frequent storms and severe weather even as autumn fades to winter. https://t.co/SvngvG63lW pic.twitter.com/jJmFfIj5KF

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) October 9, 2022

Residents across the Gulf Coast and Tennessee Valley states should also expect heavier rains. It could last from December to February. More winter hazards could also occur this season.

Moreover, snow precipitation across the inner Southeast will come in January and early February. Pastelok also advised that if the Gulf of Mexico waters stays warmer, there’s a possibility of a “potentially big system.” It can develop and affect the East Coast.

Florida remains a balmy refuge as the northern states plunge into freezing temperatures and drifts of snow. But that doesn’t mean the Sunshine State is immune to winter weather. But the frigid air might not reach central or southern Florida.

Although Pastelok said that there’s a slight chance of widespread frost this year. If it happens, it will likely be in late January. 

Winter in the Northeast and Midwest

In time for autumn, waves of cold air have passed across the Northeast and Midwest. It started on Sept.22. However, the beginning of winter on Dec.21 might not be the same case.

6. Residents across the Northeast and Midwest will experience a few winter previews in November and December as waves of cold air dive down from Canada, but the biggest blasts of cold air will hold off until later in the winter. https://t.co/7SEfO2yGgn pic.twitter.com/VYXjCljCa3

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) October 9, 2022

As waves of chilly air sweep Canada, residents in the Northeast and Midwest will have early winter in November and December. However, the enormous blasts of cold air won’t come until the last stretch of winter. In addition, the encounter between the cold and warm air might stir an out-of-season weather occurrence in Ohio Valley or Midwest in November or December.

Snowfall for this winter might be below average for most of Ohio Valley, Appalachians, and the interior mid-Atlantic. Moreover, rain could be above average, with very few events likely to pour this winter.

Lake-effect snow would be less for many people in the eastern Great Lakes region. These areas include New York, Erie, Pennsylvania, Cleveland, and Buffalo. However, farther west near Lake Michigan, lake-effect snow is expected to be near- to above average.

7. Snowfall for the season as a whole is likely to be below normal for most of the central Appalachians, Ohio Valley and interior mid-Atlantic. https://t.co/7SEfO2QhEX pic.twitter.com/B6rlnQwO4a

— AccuWeather (@accuweather) October 9, 2022

In addition, New England is one of the only areas in the Rocky Mountains that could expect snow above normal. January and March will bring the heaviest coastal snowstorms. While Boston is the only city in the Interstate 95 corridor that will have almost average snowfall. Washington, D.C, will have increasing snow for only 3-5 days during the whole winter season.

Central US may Face Arctic Surge.

Parts of the neighboring US will have a mild winter start. But some of the central Plains will experience the warmest weather in December. Moreover, areas around Oklahoma are forecast to run 3 degrees Fahrenheit in the last months of this year. 

The warmth will extend south to areas like Amarillo and Lubbock, Texas. Heat will also extend to the north and west spots in Wichita, Kansas, Dodge City, and Denver. 

The polar vortex will also play a significant role in the central US this winter. It is a massive composition of cold air that usually resides in the areas of the Arctic Circle. Pastelok said February is the cruelest month when the polar vortex can unleash frigid air. 

The coldest air can spread across the central US and the Rockies. This might cause an increase in energy demands in the coldest regions. Pastelok said, “The last two Februarys have featured significant cold waves for the central and southern Plains. There is a chance once again on this third La Niña winter that cold air reaches this region.”