Overview
- Forecasters say a weak La Niña is in place heading into winter, a setup that usually drives more dips in the Pacific jet and favors colder, stormier patterns across the northern tier.
- The FOX Forecast Center flags next week’s Arctic plunge as a potential preview of repeated early-season cold for parts of the Eastern U.S.
- Guidance points to above-normal December snowfall for the Great Lakes, Upper Midwest, Northeast and New England, with coastal systems capable of producing strong nor’easters when cold air is present.
- Regional meteorologists highlight the roles of the Arctic Oscillation and polar vortex state, noting that a negative AO can open the door to major cold outbreaks.
- WKBN’s Storm Team 27 characterizes the season as a weak La Niña with ingredients for cold shots and lake-effect snow but emphasizes variability and uncertainty in storm timing and strength.