WEATHER BEAT: Winter Outlook Predicts Heavy Snow, Cold Temps

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weatherbeatlogoBelieve it or not, but last year’s Winter Weather Outlook started off a lot more grim than what I am about to tell you now.

So far this season, most snow has been confined to the northernmost states whereas by this point last year, places as far south as Tennessee had already received an inch or more of snow. With that said, I still suspect this winter will be a tough one with several inches of snow piling up.

As for the remainder of October, I expect to see temperatures remaining at or even slightly above average despite a few cool days earlier this month.

Once we enter November, I expect temperatures to remain at or slightly above normal for the beginning of the month, but by mid-November, the pattern should change with temperatures at or slightly below average. As for snowfall, we shouldn't see anything significant, perhaps an inch or two around Thanksgiving. Even that could be pushing it.

In December, I expect to see near average or slightly below average temperatures. December snowfall will be anywhere from three to six inches with most snow falling after December 17. Some snow could mix with ice towards the end of the month.

Once we enter January, this is when I expect to see the snow machine fire up. I expect temperatures to be much below average with heavy snow, especially for the first half of January. I expect two or more major snowfalls in January with snow piling up to as much as 24 inches.

February will be similar to January with prolonged cold weather and an additional 24 inches of snow are possible. January and February will likely make up most of the winter, but we should not forget about March.

In recent years, March has actually been one of the snowiest months of the season. This year, I expect March to start off stormy and cold with chances for snow and wintry mixes. Three to six inches of snow could fall in March, but we’ll update you more in my Mid-Winter Outlook as it is still quite a ways away.

With all of that said, my estimated snowfall prediction for this winter will be 30 to 40 inches. In the four years I’ve been doing the Winter Weather Outlook, this is my highest prediction yet.

My favorite thing to do is study the weather. It is truly fascinating. Nothing beats a good thunderstorm. I became very interested in weather when I lived in Okinawa, Japan for four years and was actually inside a super typhoon.

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