Weather
Latest Winter Forecast Released: See What It Says For DC/VA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has made its prediction for what to expect.
VIRGINIA/DC — Above-average temperatures are expected in D.C. and Virginia as La Nina climate conditions are emerging for the second winter in a row, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 2021 Winter Outlook.
The NOAA forecast sees enhanced probabilities for above-normal temperatures for the Mid-Atlantic region, including the metropolitan D.C. area.
“Consistent with typical La Nina conditions during winter months, we anticipate below-normal temperatures along portions of the northern tier of the U.S., while much of the South experiences above-normal temperatures,” Jon Gottschalck, chief of the operational prediction branch of NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, said in a statement.
Find out what's happening in Washington DCfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
For the D.C. area, the NOAA forecast meshes with the AccuWeather forecast, released in early October, for the upcoming winter.
For areas along the East Coast north of D.C., though, the NOAA and AccuWeather forecasts are not in alignment. The NOAA forecast predicts this winter will be a warm one for New York City, while AccuWeather warns of wintry weather as early as November for New York City.
Find out what's happening in Washington DCfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
For the D.C. area, the NOAA and AccuWeather's forecast do not match the Farmer’s Almanac's, which is calling for a cold winter in the region.
For the 2021-22 winter season, AccuWeather is predicting 7 to 11 inches of snow in D.C., compared to the winter average of 15.6 inches. The NOAA's current forecast expects precipitation levels for December through February in the D.C. area will be about average.
NOAA's seasonal outlooks provide a look at the likelihood temperatures and total precipitation amounts will be above, near or below average, as well as how drought conditions are anticipated to change in the months ahead. The outlook does not project seasonal snowfall accumulations, as snow forecasts are generally not predictable more than a week in advance.
NOAA is expected to update the winter outlook on Nov. 19.
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