With this being “Winter Weather Awareness Week” in North Dakota a lot of people are wondering what the forecast holds in store for the coming months.
The National Weather Service has hinted of a La Nina pattern which traditionally means colder and snowier conditions for the Red River Valley. KNOX Staff Meteorologist Mark Ewens says while that’s true – it’s not always the case. “Last winter was actually a moderate La Nina and we had one of the warmest winters on record. So there is that roughly 30% of La Nina winters that go in the opposite direction.”
Long-range models by the Climate Prediction Center suggest “equal chances” – or no specific temp or precipitation trends through January. Ewens that also fits a La Nina pattern “This year I think we will see more of an influence. A relatively warm/dry fall and moving past New Year’s more frequent cold snaps and an increase in snowfall.”
Grand Forks averages between 50 and 60 inches of snow during a typical winter season.
Minnesota will recognize Winter Hazard Awareness Week starting November 15th.
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