NOAA’s Winter Outlook calls for warmer-than-average temperatures for the South and Southwest and wetter-than-average conditions for areas of the Midwest, northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest. The greatest chance for warmer-than-average conditions are in western Alaska, the Central Great Basin and Southwest, extending through the Southern Plains, forecasters say, while wetter-than-average conditions are most likely in store for western Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, northern Rockies, Great Lakes and Ohio Valley. Widespread extreme drought, which continues to persist across much of the West and Great Plains, will continue with La Niña in place. A link to this article is below: NOAA winter outlook predicts another La Niña and no end to extreme drought (msn.com)
I'll take it. La Nina doesn't seem to affect our weather much here in the mountains. Either way, we'll still be burning wood and enjoying the heat. And counting down the days till gardening season starts up again. We're probably a little past peak as far as the fall colors go. We had an unusually colorful fall. Really hate to see it end.
They aren't taking much of a chance. Between the 40-50%, 50-60% and equal chances, that is about 2/3 of the country. I won't lie, would not mind above normal temps and have a third mild winter in a row (relatively speaking - which just means lows aren't around -18* in the deep of winter).
That's one reason I bought a new snowblower. We're kinda due, it has been a while. Although, given the price of heating energies, I'm hoping for a mild Winter for everyone.
Tried to start my snowblower yesterday to make sure it is ready for the season. Couldn't get it to start by either pulling or the electric start. Has oil, I added seafoam to the gas last year (which doesn't guarantee anything - I've always had good luck with it though). Could be the spark plug but getting to that sucker requires removing parts (stupid design) and my track record of getting said parts back on is not good. Contemplating getting a new blower. Although this one isn't very old, it doesn't have the remote angle for the chute so I'm constantly having to stop and adjust it for the terrain (blowing up/over a hill / retaining wall, or down a hill towards a street). When I bought this snow blower it was a fairly cheap emergency buy. IDK, have to think on it - but not too long.
