Sat Nov 16 14:30:00 IST 2024: ## Warmer Than Average Winter Predicted for Much of the US, Except the Northwest
**Atlanta, GA** – A new three-month winter outlook from The Weather Company and Atmospheric G2 predicts warmer-than-average temperatures for a large swathe of the southern and eastern United States, contrasting with a colder-than-average forecast for the Northwest. The outlook, released Friday, covers December through February.
The Deep South is expected to experience the most significant above-average temperatures. However, much of the Northwest, northern Rockies, and Northern Plains are projected to see colder-than-average conditions. Since the last outlook in October, the forecast has shifted toward even colder temperatures for Washington, northern and western Oregon, northern Idaho, and a substantial portion of Montana.
While acknowledging the overall warming trend, Todd Crawford, Vice President of Meteorology at Atmospheric G2, noted increasing cold volatility in recent years. He anticipates one to two periods of significantly cold weather this winter, more likely early on due to La Niña conditions. December is predicted to offer the best chance of colder weather, particularly in the West and Northern Plains, although even then, the South and East are still expected to be warmer than average.
January and February are forecast to continue the pattern, with the South and East remaining warmer than average, while the Northwest sees persistently colder temperatures, potentially reaching the furthest below average in February. The possibility of a polar vortex breakdown, historically leading to extended cold spells, is considered less likely this winter.
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