Last winter was a flop for snow fans and this winter may be similar.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) is predicting cold temperatures to the north in the United States and warmer weather to the south, thanks in part to La Niña, which tends to polarize temperatures.
While last year there was some uncertainty without a El Niño or La Niña conditions, this year NOAA scientists are seeing La Niña conditions that are predicted to last into winter.
That means Northern Virginia has a slight probability of warmer-than-normal conditions.
In addition, NOAA tracking of previous La Niña winters indicates dry conditions and below normal snowfall for the area. However, current NOAA predictions for Northern Virginia do not indicate how the area may fare with precipitation.
The New and Old Farmer’s Almanac are predicting some form of precipitation, although they split on if there is going to be any snow.
Last year the Old Farmer’s Almanac predicted lower than normal snowfall and above normal temperatures for much of the country, pretty much on the nose for how it turned out.
The National Weather Service measured less than one inch of snow total in D.C., well below the average of 15 inches.
If you are continuing to believe the Old Farmer’s Almanac prediction, this winter is predicted to be “sheets of sleet.” With temperatures higher than normal with more chilly rain than snow.
For those of you holding out hope for a good snowstorm or two, the New Farmer’s Almanac predicts one to two feet of snow the 2nd week of February. There is also another potential for storms in late March, but no certainty on if the area will get rain, sleet or snow.
Last year the New Farmer’s Almanac called for a “Polar Coaster” with many shifts between warm and cold, however it stayed almost consistently warm last winter, and the Washington Post reported it was the 9th warmest for the area on record.
Be ready for some warmer weather, and probably keep that umbrella with you.
