NOAA Releases 2021-2022 Winter Outlook

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has just released the 2021-2022 winter outlook. NOAA forecasters are expecting another La Nina winter like last year, but that doesn’t mean it will be exactly the same.

NOAA is expecting a warmer than normal winter across the eastern and southern U.S., with an equal chance for above average or below average precipitation. According to forecasters, snowfall is likely going to be below average across the east. This means Delmarva will likely see above average temperatures and below average snowfall, accoridng to NOAA. Forecasters are weighing their forecast heavily on the expected La Nina, however, not all La Nina’s are the same, and big snowfalls can still occur. There is a lot of variability across the Mid-Atlantic, so be sure to stay tuned for updates and for more accurate forecasts as we get closer to winter.

The upcoming winter forecast is just an outline to give people an idea of the overall expectations. These seasonal outlooks help communities prepare for what is likely to come in the months ahead and minimize weather’s impacts on lives and livelihoods. “Using the most up-to-date observing technologies and computer models, our dedicated forecasters at the Climate Prediction Center produce timely and accurate seasonal outlooks to help communities prepare for the months ahead,” said Michael Farrar, Ph.D., director of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction.

Areas expected to get above average precipitation and above average snow is the Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and northern Rockies. The good news is that parts of the country dealing with severe drought will get some relief this winter, including the Pacific Northwest, northern California, the upper Midwest, and Hawaii.

The 47 ABC Storm Team will weigh in with their thoughts by releasing their official winter outlook on November 10th.