Above Average Temperatures for the West and Central Plains; Lake Effect Snow Continues

Well above average temperatures will prevail across the Plains and the West Coast this week, while a cold front will bring Arctic air to the South and East Coast Thursday and Friday. Lake effect snow is forecast downwind of the Great Lakes through Thursday along and behind the Arctic front, as well as mountain snow across the Southern Appalachians. Read More >

November is typically a transition month in the Northland and this November was a perfect example of that. Record daily high temperatures in the 70s were recorded at all climate sites on November 2, and monthly all-time high temperatures were tied at Brainerd (75°F) and Hibbing (72°F). Temperatures then plummeted to around average for the middle part of the month, then a bit above average by the end the month. Both rainfall and snowfall were near or above average around the Northland. This has led to some relief in drought conditions, though some abnormally dry conditions and patches of moderate drought still persist, especially in northern Bayfield and Douglas counties in Wisconsin and western Cass County in Minnesota.

For December, the CPC is forecasting below average temperatures with equal chances for above or below normal precipitation. The CPC is forecasting below normal temperatures and above average precipitation for the December through February winter period. This forecast is consistent with the climatological pattern typically seen during a La Niña episode, which is currently occurring and is expected to continue through the winter. A transition toward ENSO neutral is projected going into spring and early summer 2023.