As the colder winter months and the holidays approach, many may be wondering how changing weather patterns could affect their travel plans and, at a household level, affect their energy bills in the coming months. Although these forecasts may change as climatic conditions evolve, the National Weather Service (NWS) provides three-month outlooks that provide valuable insights. These forecasts indicate which regions of the country are likely to experience temperatures above or below seasonal averages, as well as areas where precipitation may increase or decrease. By keeping an eye on these forecasts, people can better prepare for the challenges and joys that the winter season brings.

Which areas are likely to have lower temperatures in December, January and February?

According to the NWS forecast, there is a 40 to 50% chance that a few states across the border with Canada, including Washington, Northern Idaho, Northern Montana and North Dakota, will see cooler temperatures. Additionally, states and areas south of those states, including Oregon, Idaho, southern Montana and South Dakota, have a 33 to 40% chance of seeing cooler than average temperatures. As you can see, parts of southern Alaska will also likely see lower temperatures than typically recorded.

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Areas where more snow could fall this winter

When it comes to snowfall, the BLS only provides an observation report, which also includes rain. However, in states where snow is normal in winter, one can expect that in addition to more rain, more snow will fall in the coming months.

In the Northwest, parts of Idaho, Montana, Montana, Washington and Wyoming have a 33 to 50 percent chance of seeing an above-average sighting in the coming months. In the Midwest, parts of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania could also see above-average snow or rainfall. Some of the latest cities that could be affected include Seattle, Tacoma, Portalnd, Boise, Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Madison, Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago and many more in these regions.

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These forecasts for both temperature and perception were repeated in October by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where they reported that “wetter than average conditions” were seen across “the entire northern tier of the continental U.S., especially in the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes region, along with Northern and Western Alaska.”