Nov 5, 2007 7:08 pm US/Eastern
Jeff Verszyla Announces Winter Weather Forecast
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
If you like warmer winters, Meteorologist Jeff Verszyla says you are in luck this year.
He predicts a warmer than average winter with less snowfall!
As you may recall, with the exception of about six weeks in late January and February, last year we had a mild winter.
Temperatures were above average for the season and snowfall was a few inches below average.
Depending on your perspective, you may either love or hate Jeff's predictions.
"This winter will follow the same trend as last year with above normal temperatures and below normal snowfall," said Verszyla.
Here are the numbers and the reason why.
The answers to unlocking an accurate forecast for the winter season ahead can be found by looking at current global weather patterns, how they will evolve in the months ahead and what influence they will have on regional and local weather patterns.
One of the key features that will play a large role in the upcoming winter season is the weather phenomenon known as La Nina, which is the opposite of El Nino.
A moderate to strong La Nina this year will likely lead the warmest winter in the past 5 years across most of the country.
Here at home, this winter has a good chance at being warmer than last year and a little less snowy as well.
November will start the season with near normal temperatures, below normal snowfall and overall precipitation below normal as well.
Jeff expects December to be milder than usual with snowfall below normal, but overall precipitation above average, and less than 20 percent chance of a white Christmas.
January will continue with the warmer than normal theme.
Jeff said we will see the usual amount of flakes falling and monthly precipitation totals will again come in above average.
In February, Phil will show his furry face and likely find real winter nowhere to be found.
The month will once again be above 30 year temperature averages with below average snowfall totals and normal precipitation.
Unfortunately, March will be more lion than lamb.
Jeff expects this to be the only month with colder than normal temperatures and higher than normal snowfall, with normal total precipitation.
So, the overall winter forecast summary calls for the November through February period to be warmer than normal, and March colder than normal.
Total snowfall will come in at roughly 32 inches, which is 6 inches below the normal amount of 38 inches, but overall total precipitation will come in slightly wetter than average.
This means we'll see more rain than snow events over the next 5 months.
Jeff's final note is that even though he expects a mild winter with not a lot of snow there will still be occasional periods of winter weather.
These bouts will likely be fairly brief.
A sustainable week to week cold and snow pattern is not likely.
So old man winter will be in hit and run mode the next few months.
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