NOAA Winter Outlook predicts warmer, drier season for NC

How does a warmer winter sound?

Warmer-than-normal temperatures and drier-than-normal precipitation totals are predicted for several parts of the country, including North Carolina.

North Carolina is included in a swath of the country that can expect a slightly warmer winter, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's 2021-2022 Winter Outlook. It appears a La Niña pattern will continue into winter.

The outlook projects the likelihood that temperatures and precipitation amounts will be at, below or above average.

The maps show North Carolina in the area that can expect a 30-to-50% chance of above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation from December through February. Other parts of the country like the southwest, southeast and the Gulf Coast are also expected to be warmer-than-normal.

"This will be the third year in a row we've had a La Niña pattern," said WRAL meteorologist Mike Maze. "If you remember the past few years, we've had warmer-than-normal temperatures, drier-than-normal winters and this winter doesn't look any different."

This marks just the third time on record that we've seen a stretch of three winters with La Niñas. One of those stretches included 1998 through 2001. In January 2000, the Triangle saw in excess of 20 inches of snow in what was generational event.

The bottom line: If you're a snow-lover, don't let this news discourage you.

"You can have a La Niña and you can get dumped on with snow," Maze said. "So snow lovers, don't despair, there still could be snow this winter."

Below-normal temperatures are expected in the upper Midwest and the Pacific Northwest.

The outlook does not project seasonal snowfall accumulations. Another outlook will be released on Nov. 17.