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U.S. Winter Weather Outlook from Earth Networks - WeatherBug
[November 18, 2014]

U.S. Winter Weather Outlook from Earth Networks - WeatherBug


GERMANTOWN, Md. --(Business Wire)--

Last winter was one of the coldest recorded in the U.S. in recent decades. While many Americans became familiar with the term "polar vortex," the harsh winter impacted utilities, construction, mining, agriculture and transportation and caused a major drop in the U.S. GDP. To help the nation know what to expect for the upcoming season, the WeatherBug Meteorology Team at Earth Networks releases its 2014-2015 U.S. Winter Outlook.

Here's what to expect this winter:

  • Here Comes the Cold: Areas surrounding the Great Lakes, upstate New York, northern Vermont, New Hampshire and western Maine are on track for a colder winter. The highest probability of colder weather is expected near Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Cleveland, Detroit and Milwaukee all have increased chances for below-normal temperatures.
  • Milder in the West: Above-normal temperatures are likely throughout several western and mountain states. Expect milder winter conditions from Spokane, Wash., down through central California, and east through much of Idaho, Montana and Nevada. Wyoming, Colorado and Utah, and northern parts of Arizona and New Mexico, are also expected to see milder temperatures this winter.
  • Wildcard Winter Temps: Major East Coast cities, including Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York, have equal chances of seeing below-normal, normal and aboe-normal temperatures this winter. Analysis shows that much of the central U.S. down through Texas also has equal chances for having below-normal, normal or above-normal winter temperatures.
  • Warmer Pockets in the Southeast: In the southeast, central and northern Florida, and cities along the Atlantic Coast - including Jacksonville, Fla., Savannah, Ga., Charleston, S.C., and Wilmington, N.C., will likely see above-normal temperatures.
  • Precipitation Outlook: An increasing El Niño pattern will help bring much-needed rain to southern California and southern Texas. Arizona, New Mexico and Texas will see improving drought conditions. On the downside, northern California is not expected to get the precipitation it needs to start improving its long rainfall deficit and begin its recovery from one of the most severe droughts on record. Above-normal precipitation is favored along the East Coast, bringing an increased chance of rain and snow this winter.



"For many Americans, the 2014-2015 winter season should be easier on our wallets than last winter, which was much colder than normal," says Senior Meteorologist James Aman. "Analysis of the weather and climate models and other factors indicate that temperatures will be closer to normal for many areas of the U.S. While this winter is not expected to be as severe as last winter for much of the country, we're still in store for typical winter cold and precipitation, and it's time to prepare for the months ahead."

To develop the forecast, meteorologists analyzed factors that include ENSO (La Niña/El Niño) patterns, climate models, short- and long-term ocean temperature cycles, and other information.


About Earth Networks - WeatherBug

For 20 years, we have been Taking the Pulse (News - Alert) of the Planet® using the world's largest weather and climate networks. Our sensors across the planet keep consumers, businesses, and governments informed, updated and alerted. Our popular WeatherBug® apps and website provide neighborhood-level weather, superior forecasts and advanced severe weather alerts to more than 30 million people monthly. Enterprises such as schools, airports, professional sports teams, utilities and government agencies rely on our Early Warning Solutions to safeguard lives, prepare for weather events, and optimize operations. Know Before™. Learn more at www.earthnetworks.com.


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