NOAA’s U.S. Winter Outlook Calls for “Variability”

NOAA’s U.S. Winter Outlook Calls for “Variability””

From Watts Up With That?, November 20, 2008

I don’t know about you but I’m relieved that the weather won’t be “static”. – Anthony

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Contact:          Carmeyia Gillis                       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

301-763-8000, ext 7163          Nov. 20, 2008                                                                      

NOAA’s U.S. Winter Outlook Calls for Variability

In announcing the 2008-2009 U.S. Winter Outlook for meteorological winter from December through February, forecasters at the NOAA Climate Prediction Center are calling for warmer-than-normal temperatures for much of the central part of the nation, and a continuation of drier-than-normal conditions across the Southeast.

With the absence of La Niña and El Niño in the equatorial Pacific Ocean this season (climate patterns that give forecasters clues about potential weather events months in advance), predicting weather patterns on seasonal timescales becomes increasingly challenging. Instead, other climate patterns over the Arctic and North Atlantic regions may play a significant role in influencing U.S. winter weather.

“These patterns are only predictable a week or two in advance and could persist for weeks at a time,” said Michael Halpert, deputy director, Climate Prediction Center. “Therefore, we expect variability, or substantial changes in temperature and precipitation across much of the country.”

Read the rest of the article, click below link
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2008/11/20/noaa%E2%80%99s-us-winter-outlook-calls-for-variability

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