Fri Nov 01 05:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Early Snow and Cold Snaps Expected for Maine and New Hampshire This Winter

**PORTLAND, ME** – While the official start of winter is still weeks away, Chief Meteorologist Charlie Lopresti of WGME has already begun looking at the factors that could influence the upcoming season in Maine and New Hampshire. He predicts an early start to the snow season, with colder than average temperatures in December and March.

Lopresti’s analysis points to a weak La Niña pattern in the Pacific Ocean, coupled with a warm anomaly in the North Pacific. This combination, he says, historically leads to active storm tracks across the Northern Plains, Rockies, Midwest, and Great Lakes, pushing the coldest temperatures westward. However, it also sets the stage for late-developing nor’easters in the Northeast.

Based on his research of past La Niña winters, Lopresti predicts a snowy December and March, with a 67% chance of at least 1 inch of snow on the ground in Portland on Christmas morning. He also foresees cold snaps throughout the winter, potentially reaching temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit in Southern and Central Maine.

While overall snowfall for the season may be around average, Lopresti acknowledges the difficulty of predicting snow events specifically. Current seasonal models point towards near-average precipitation for December, January, and February, but the exact snowfall accumulation remains uncertain.

“We’ll be watching for polar vortex disruptions this winter,” Lopresti stated, recalling the extreme wind chills and record-breaking cold experienced in February 2023 and January 2018.

While the winter may bring challenges for those who prefer mild temperatures, Lopresti encourages those in Maine and New Hampshire to prepare for an early snow season and potentially intense cold snaps. He advises staying up to date on the latest weather forecasts for specific details and preparations.

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