Winter 2011-12... Cold and Snowy?

According to the latest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) winter outlook, the Stateline has a better-than 33% chance of seeing a colder than normal winter. We also have a greater-than 33% chance of seeing higher than average precipitation and resultant snowfall.

Much like last winter, a La Nina is expected to strengthen off the west coast of South America. This typically leads to an active storm track from southwest to northeast across the nation's mid-section. This could

produce heavy snows over the area. Another, perhaps equally-important climate phenomena is the Arctic oscillation. This cycle is a lot more difficult to predict, but if it tends negative -- toward a cold phase -- like it did last winter, we could be in for frequent outbreaks of cold air. To see NOAA's full article on the winter outlook for the U.S., click here.