Will Winter Be A Letdown In New York? See The Latest NOAA Outlook

It is the time of year when we are seeing winter forecast after forecast. While many are calling for cold and snow, this may be the most accurate and reputable prediction we will see.

It is tough to filter out this time of year what is real and what is not when it comes to winter forecasts. Accuweather says 'Get Your Shovels Ready' and the Almanac says "The Brr Is Back!"

While we want to be ready for the season ahead, it is also a little hard to believe the calls for snowmageddon that come about, especially after a couple of mild, less snowy winters in Upstate New York. I know I love a lotta snow and get excited for those big snowfall predictions, but Old Man Winter just has not delivered the last few years.

That said,  the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Foundation (NOAA), seems to have a pretty good track record when it comes to purely presenting the data and models they are seeing for the season ahead and letting you and I ponder what that could mean as far as snow. So let's start with what they are seeing for precipitation this winter:

NOAA Winter Precipitation Outlook In New York

Let's start with what we will see as far as precipitation this winter. The NOAA Says right now our precipitation outlook is  "...equal chances for below-, near-, or above-average seasonal total precipitation." Basically, nothing at this point is saying we will see a lot or a little wet weather. So chances are, we will see average precipitation which means the potential for snow is always there But will it be cold enough?

NOAA Winter Precipitation Outlook In New York

Now this could be the clincher for really forecasting what winter will be like. The precipitation will be there, but if it ain't cold a lot, it ain't gonna snow a lot! And at this point, the NOAA says "Warmer-than-average temperatures are favored across the northern tier of the U.S."

While that certainly does not mean it won't be cold enough for snow at some point, the odds are we will see a mild winter with a snowfall letdown this year!