Winter Outlook for Northeast Wisconsin

For Northeast and North-Central Wisconsin

NOAA's Climate Prediction Center (CPC) is forecasting cooler than normal temperatures and above normal precipitation for the upcoming meteorological winter (December-February) across much of northeast and north-central Wisconsin.

Background

A weak La Niña is favored to develop during the remainder of the Northern Hemisphere autumn. This weak La Niña is favored to continue into the winter. Due to this feature, the CPC temperature and precipitation outlooks are consistent with typical La Niña winters.

The last time that there was a La Niña winter was 2011-12, also a weak La Niña.

While temperature and snow impacts associated with La Niña are favored, La Niña is not the only driving force in our region's winter weather. This winter, like others, will also be affected by other atmospheric phenomena which are more difficult to forecast this far in advance. Temperatures and precipitation could be highly variable throughout the winter.

The outlook for northeast Wisconsin indicates an enhanced chance for a colder and wetter (snowier) winter (Dec-Feb).

U.S. Outlook

Winter 2016-17 Temperature Outlook:

For the upcoming winter, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center temperature forecasts for the most part reflect typical La Niña temperature anomalies in the United States. This includes:

Warmer than normal conditions favored across the southern United States.
Cooler than normal conditions are favored from the Northern Plains east into the Great Lakes.

Winter 2016-17 Precipitation Outlook:

For the upcoming winter, NOAA's Climate Prediction Center precipitation forecasts for the most part reflect typical La Niña precipitation anomalies in the United States. This includes:

Wetter than normal conditions are most likely in the Pacific Northwest, northern Rockies, and Great Lakes.
Drier than normal conditions are most likely for the southern United States.

For more information from the CPC, click here.