2024 And 2024 Winter Outlook

The 2024 and 2024 winter outlooks are now available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The outlooks provide a general overview of what to expect during the upcoming winter season, including temperature and precipitation patterns. This information can be helpful for planning ahead and making decisions about winter activities.

The 2024 winter outlook calls for a warmer-than-average winter for most of the United States. The only exceptions are the Northeast and the Pacific Northwest, which are expected to experience near-average temperatures. Precipitation is expected to be above average in the northern and eastern United States, while the southern and western United States are expected to experience below-average precipitation.

Here are 9 important points about the 2024 and 2024 winter outlook:

Warmer-than-average winter for most of the US
Near-average temperatures in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest
Above-average precipitation in the northern and eastern US
Below-average precipitation in the southern and western US
Increased risk of flooding in the northern and eastern US
Drought conditions likely to continue in the southern and western US
Active storm track across the northern US
Mild winter weather in the southern US
La Niña likely to continue through the winter

This information can be helpful for planning ahead and making decisions about winter activities.

Warmer-than-average winter for most of the US

The 2024 and 2024 winter outlook calls for a warmer-than-average winter for most of the United States. This is due to a number of factors, including:

La Niña: La Niña is a climate pattern that occurs when the Pacific Ocean is cooler than average. This can lead to warmer and drier winters in the southern and eastern United States.
The jet stream: The jet stream is a narrow band of high-altitude winds that flows from west to east. In the winter, the jet stream typically dips southward, bringing cold air from the Arctic into the United States. However, during a La Niña winter, the jet stream is often weaker and more zonal, which means that it flows more directly from west to east. This can lead to warmer temperatures in the United States.
A strong polar vortex: The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure that surrounds the North Pole. In the winter, the polar vortex typically strengthens, which can lead to colder temperatures in the United States. However, during a La Niña winter, the polar vortex is often weaker, which can lead to warmer temperatures in the United States.
A lack of snow cover: Snow cover can help to keep the ground cool in the winter. However, during a La Niña winter, there is often less snow cover in the United States. This can lead to warmer temperatures because the ground is able to absorb more heat from the sun.

The warmer-than-average winter temperatures are expected to be most pronounced in the central and eastern United States. The western United States is also expected to experience above-average temperatures, but the temperatures will be closer to average than in the central and eastern United States.

Near-average temperatures in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest

The 2024 and 2024 winter outlook calls for near-average temperatures in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest. This is due to a number of factors, including:

La Niña: La Niña is a climate pattern that occurs when the Pacific Ocean is cooler than average. This can lead to warmer and drier winters in the southern and eastern United States, but it can also lead to cooler and wetter winters in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest.
The jet stream: The jet stream is a narrow band of high-altitude winds that flows from west to east. In the winter, the jet stream typically dips southward, bringing cold air from the Arctic into the United States. However, during a La Niña winter, the jet stream is often weaker and more zonal, which means that it flows more directly from west to east. This can lead to milder temperatures in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest.
A strong polar vortex: The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure that surrounds the North Pole. In the winter, the polar vortex typically strengthens, which can lead to colder temperatures in the United States. However, during a La Niña winter, the polar vortex is often weaker, which can lead to milder temperatures in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest.
A lack of snow cover: Snow cover can help to keep the ground cool in the winter. However, during a La Niña winter, there is often less snow cover in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest. This can lead to milder temperatures because the ground is able to absorb more heat from the sun.

The near-average temperatures in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest are expected to be most pronounced in the coastal areas. The inland areas are expected to experience slightly cooler temperatures, but they are still expected to be near average.

Above-average precipitation in the northern and eastern US

The 2024 and 2024 winter outlook calls for above-average precipitation in the northern and eastern United States. This is due to a number of factors, including:

La Niña: La Niña is a climate pattern that occurs when the Pacific Ocean is cooler than average. This can lead to wetter winters in the northern and eastern United States.

The jet stream: The jet stream is a narrow band of high-altitude winds that flows from west to east. In the winter, the jet stream typically dips southward, bringing cold air from the Arctic into the United States. However, during a La Niña winter, the jet stream is often weaker and more zonal, which means that it flows more directly from west to east. This can lead to a more active storm track across the northern and eastern United States, resulting in more precipitation.

A strong polar vortex: The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure that surrounds the North Pole. In the winter, the polar vortex typically strengthens, which can lead to colder temperatures in the United States. However, during a La Niña winter, the polar vortex is often weaker, which can lead to milder temperatures in the northern and eastern United States. This can allow for more precipitation to fall as rain instead of snow.

A lack of snow cover: Snow cover can help to keep the ground cool in the winter. However, during a La Niña winter, there is often less snow cover in the northern and eastern United States. This can lead to more precipitation falling as rain instead of snow, as the ground is able to absorb more heat from the sun.

The above-average precipitation in the northern and eastern United States is expected to be most pronounced in the Great Lakes region and the Ohio Valley. These areas are expected to experience frequent storms, including snowstorms, ice storms, and rain storms.

Below-average precipitation in the southern and western US

The 2024 and 2024 winter outlook calls for below-average precipitation in the southern and western United States. This is due to a number of factors, including:

La Niña: La Niña is a climate pattern that occurs when the Pacific Ocean is cooler than average. This can lead to drier winters in the southern and western United States.
The jet stream: The jet stream is a narrow band of high-altitude winds that flows from west to east. In the winter, the jet stream typically dips southward, bringing cold air from the Arctic into the United States. However, during a La Niña winter, the jet stream is often weaker and more zonal, which means that it flows more directly from west to east. This can lead to a less active storm track across the southern and western United States, resulting in less precipitation.
A strong polar vortex: The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure that surrounds the North Pole. In the winter, the polar vortex typically strengthens, which can lead to colder temperatures in the United States. However, during a La Niña winter, the polar vortex is often weaker, which can lead to milder temperatures in the southern and western United States. This can allow for more precipitation to fall as rain instead of snow.
A lack of snow cover: Snow cover can help to keep the ground cool in the winter. However, during a La Niña winter, there is often less snow cover in the southern and western United States. This can lead to less precipitation falling as snow, as the ground is able to absorb more heat from the sun.

The below-average precipitation in the southern and western United States is expected to be most pronounced in the Southwest and the southern Plains. These areas are expected to experience fewer storms and less precipitation overall.

Increased risk of flooding in the northern and eastern US

The 2024 and 2024 winter outlook calls for an increased risk of flooding in the northern and eastern United States. This is due to a number of factors, including:

Above-average precipitation: The northern and eastern United States are expected to experience above-average precipitation during the winter of 2024 and 2024. This precipitation is likely to fall in the form of rain, snow, or a combination of both. Heavy rainfall can lead to flooding, especially in areas that are already saturated from previous precipitation events.

Melting snow: As the winter progresses, temperatures are expected to rise and the snowpack is expected to melt. This meltwater can add to the already high water levels in rivers and streams, increasing the risk of flooding. In addition, ice jams can form in rivers and streams, which can further increase the risk of flooding.

Frozen ground: The ground in the northern and eastern United States is expected to be frozen for much of the winter. This frozen ground can prevent water from infiltrating the soil, which can lead to runoff and flooding.

Urban areas: The northern and eastern United States are home to many large urban areas. These urban areas are often built on floodplains, which are areas that are prone to flooding. In addition, urban areas have a lot of impervious surfaces, such as roads and buildings, which can prevent water from infiltrating the soil and increase the risk of flooding.

The increased risk of flooding in the northern and eastern United States is a serious concern. Residents in these areas should be prepared for flooding and take steps to protect their property and their families.

Drought conditions likely to continue in the southern and western US

The 2024 and 2024 winter outlook calls for drought conditions to continue in the southern and western United States. This is due to a number of factors, including:

Below-average precipitation: The southern and western United States are expected to experience below-average precipitation during the winter of 2024 and 2024. This precipitation is likely to fall in the form of rain or snow, but the total amount of precipitation is expected to be below average. This lack of precipitation will continue to exacerbate the drought conditions in these regions.

High temperatures: The southern and western United States are expected to experience above-average temperatures during the winter of 2024 and 2024. These high temperatures will increase the rate of evaporation, which will further dry out the soil and worsen the drought conditions.

La Niña: La Niña is a climate pattern that occurs when the Pacific Ocean is cooler than average. La Niña can lead to drier winters in the southern and western United States. The current La Niña pattern is expected to continue through the winter of 2024 and 2024, which will further increase the risk of drought in these regions.

The continued drought conditions in the southern and western United States are a serious concern. These drought conditions can lead to a number of problems, including water shortages, crop failures, and wildfires. Residents in these regions should be prepared for the continued drought and take steps to conserve water and protect their property.

Active storm track across the northern US

The 2024 and 2024 winter outlook calls for an active storm track across the northern United States. This is due to a number of factors, including:

La Niña: La Niña is a climate pattern that occurs when the Pacific Ocean is cooler than average. La Niña can lead to a more active storm track across the northern United States.
The jet stream: The jet stream is a narrow band of high-altitude winds that flows from west to east. In the winter, the jet stream typically dips southward, bringing cold air from the Arctic into the United States. However, during a La Niña winter, the jet stream is often weaker and more zonal, which means that it flows more directly from west to east. This can lead to a more active storm track across the northern United States.
A strong polar vortex: The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure that surrounds the North Pole. In the winter, the polar vortex typically strengthens, which can lead to colder temperatures in the United States. However, during a La Niña winter, the polar vortex is often weaker, which can lead to milder temperatures in the northern United States. This can allow for more precipitation to fall as rain instead of snow, which can lead to more frequent and intense storms.
A lack of snow cover: Snow cover can help to keep the ground cool in the winter. However, during a La Niña winter, there is often less snow cover in the northern United States. This can lead to more precipitation falling as rain instead of snow, which can lead to more frequent and intense storms.

The active storm track across the northern United States is expected to bring frequent storms, including snowstorms, ice storms, and rain storms. These storms can cause a variety of hazards, including power outages, transportation delays, and flooding. Residents in the northern United States should be prepared for the active storm track and take steps to protect their property and their families.

Mild winter weather in the southern US

The 2024 and 2024 winter outlook calls for mild winter weather in the southern United States. This is due to a number of factors, including:

La Niña: La Niña is a climate pattern that occurs when the Pacific Ocean is cooler than average. La Niña can lead to milder winters in the southern United States.
The jet stream: The jet stream is a narrow band of high-altitude winds that flows from west to east. In the winter, the jet stream typically dips southward, bringing cold air from the Arctic into the United States. However, during a La Niña winter, the jet stream is often weaker and more zonal, which means that it flows more directly from west to east. This can lead to milder temperatures in the southern United States.
A strong polar vortex: The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure that surrounds the North Pole. In the winter, the polar vortex typically strengthens, which can lead to colder temperatures in the United States. However, during a La Niña winter, the polar vortex is often weaker, which can lead to milder temperatures in the southern United States.
A lack of snow cover: Snow cover can help to keep the ground cool in the winter. However, during a La Niña winter, there is often less snow cover in the southern United States. This can lead to milder temperatures because the ground is able to absorb more heat from the sun.

The mild winter weather in the southern United States is expected to bring above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation. This is good news for residents in the southern United States, as it will mean less snow and ice to deal with. However, residents should still be prepared for the occasional cold snap or winter storm.

La Niña likely to continue through the winter

The 2024 and 2024 winter outlook calls for La Niña to continue through the winter. This is based on a number of factors, including the current state of the Pacific Ocean and the long-range forecast models.

La Niña is a climate pattern that occurs when the Pacific Ocean is cooler than average. This can lead to changes in weather patterns around the world, including the United States. During a La Niña winter, the United States typically experiences warmer and drier winters in the southern and eastern United States, and cooler and wetter winters in the northern and western United States.

The current La Niña pattern began in the summer of 2023 and is expected to continue through the winter of 2024 and 2024. This is based on the current state of the Pacific Ocean, which is cooler than average in the eastern Pacific Ocean and warmer than average in the western Pacific Ocean. The long-range forecast models also support the continuation of La Niña through the winter.

The continuation of La Niña through the winter is likely to have a number of impacts on the United States. These impacts include:

Warmer and drier winters in the southern and eastern United States
Cooler and wetter winters in the northern and western United States
An increased risk of flooding in the northern and eastern United States
A decreased risk of drought in the southern and western United States
A more active storm track across the northern United States
Milder winter weather in the southern United States

Residents of the United States should be prepared for the impacts of La Niña during the winter of 2024 and 2024. These impacts can include more frequent and intense storms, flooding, and drought. Residents should take steps to protect their property and their families from these hazards.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2024 and 2024 winter outlook:

Question 1: What is La Niña?
Answer: La Niña is a climate pattern that occurs when the Pacific Ocean is cooler than average. This can lead to changes in weather patterns around the world, including the United States.

Question 2: What are the impacts of La Niña on the United States?
Answer: During a La Niña winter, the United States typically experiences warmer and drier winters in the southern and eastern United States, and cooler and wetter winters in the northern and western United States.

Question 3: Is La Niña expected to continue through the winter of 2024 and 2024?
Answer: Yes, the current La Niña pattern is expected to continue through the winter of 2024 and 2024.

Question 4: What are the impacts of La Niña on the 2024 and 2024 winter outlook?
Answer: The continuation of La Niña through the winter is likely to lead to warmer and drier winters in the southern and eastern United States, and cooler and wetter winters in the northern and western United States.

Question 5: What should residents of the United States do to prepare for the impacts of La Niña?
Answer: Residents of the United States should be prepared for the impacts of La Niña during the winter of 2024 and 2024. These impacts can include more frequent and intense storms, flooding, and drought. Residents should take steps to protect their property and their families from these hazards.

Question 6: Where can I find more information about the 2024 and 2024 winter outlook?
Answer: More information about the 2024 and 2024 winter outlook can be found on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website.

For more information, refer to the full 2024 and 2024 Winter Outlook on the NOAA website.

In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some tips for preparing for the 2024 and 2024 winter:

Tips

Here are some tips for preparing for the 2024 and 2024 winter:

Tip 1: Stay informed about the weather forecast.
The National Weather Service provides regular weather forecasts and updates. It is important to stay informed about the weather forecast so that you can be prepared for any hazardous weather conditions.

Tip 2: Have an emergency plan in place.
In the event of a winter storm or other emergency, it is important to have an emergency plan in place. This plan should include information on where to go, what to do, and who to contact in case of an emergency.

Tip 3: Prepare your home for winter.
There are a number of things you can do to prepare your home for winter, including:

Insulating your home
Weatherizing your windows and doors
Stocking up on food and water
Having a generator on hand in case of a power outage

Tip 4: Be prepared for winter driving.
If you live in an area that gets snow and ice, it is important to be prepared for winter driving. This includes having a winter driving kit in your car, which should include items such as:

A snow brush and ice scraper
Sand or kitty litter for traction
Jumper cables
A first-aid kit

By following these tips, you can help to prepare for the 2024 and 2024 winter and stay safe during the winter months.

The 2024 and 2024 winter outlook is calling for a warmer-than-average winter for most of the United States. However, there are still some areas that are expected to experience near-average or below-average temperatures. It is important to be prepared for the possibility of severe winter weather, regardless of where you live.

Conclusion

Some of the key points to remember from the 2024 and 2024 winter outlook include:

The winter is expected to be warmer than average for most of the United States.
The Northeast and Pacific Northwest are expected to experience near-average temperatures.
The northern and eastern United States are expected to experience above-average precipitation.
The southern and western United States are expected to experience below-average precipitation.
The northern United States is expected to experience an active storm track.
The southern United States is expected to experience mild winter weather.
La Niña is likely to continue through the winter.

Residents of the United States should be prepared for the impacts of the 2024 and 2024 winter outlook. These impacts can include more frequent and intense storms, flooding, and drought. Residents should take steps to protect their property and their families from these hazards.

For more information on the 2024 and 2024 winter outlook, please visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website.