NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center Releases Winter Weather Projections for Chicago
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center (CPC) has released its winter weather projections for the Chicago area, with La Niña expected to impact conditions in the Great Lakes this season.
What is a La Niña event?
A La Niña pattern emerges when trade winds shift, blowing warmer waters toward Asia. This then allows colder water to rise to the surface, which pushes the Polar Jetstream further north, funneling storm systems toward the Chicago area.
What Typically Happens during Winters where La Niña is Present?
Winters during La Niña patterns tend to be warmer and wetter than average, with more frequent snow and winter storms, according to the University of Illinois. However, the university caution that there are typically fewer strong La Niña patterns, making forecasting their impacts more difficult.
What is this Year’s Forecast from the Climate Prediction Center?
This winter’s projections are calling for wetter-than-normal conditions in the Great Lakes, with above-average temperatures and drier conditions expected in the southern United States. This would fit the typical progression of a La Niña pattern, as explained by the University of Illinois.
Temperature Projections and Impacts on Snowfall
The big question revolves around projected temperatures, with the NOAA saying there are "equal chances" of above or below-normal temperatures during meteorological winter. This will play a significant role in whether the Chicago area sees predominantly rain or snow during the winter months, with the CPC staying away from forecasting snowfall due to the unpredictable nature of snowstorms in the area.
Conclusion
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s winter weather projections, the Chicago area can expect wetter-than-normal conditions, with above-average temperatures and drier conditions expected in the southern United States. This is in line with the typical progression of a La Niña pattern, which is expected to impact weather conditions in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a La Niña event?
A: A La Niña pattern emerges when trade winds shift, blowing warmer waters toward Asia.
Q: What typically happens during La Niña winters?
A: Winters during La Niña patterns tend to be warmer and wetter than average, with more frequent snow and winter storms.
Q: What is this year’s forecast from the Climate Prediction Center?
A: This year’s projections are calling for wetter-than-normal conditions in the Great Lakes, with above-average temperatures and drier conditions expected in the southern United States.
Q: What does "equal chances" of above or below-normal temperatures mean?
A: It means that the NOAA has an equal likelihood of predicting above or below-normal temperatures during meteorological winter, which will impact the amount of snowfall or rain in the Chicago area.
Q: How will temperature projections impact snowfall?
A: The temperature projections will determine whether the Chicago area sees predominantly rain or snow during the winter months, with the CPC staying away from forecasting snowfall due to the unpredictable nature of snowstorms in the area.
