NOAA Press release

Forecasters at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center issued the U.S. Winter Outlook today, saying that La Nina is expected to influence winter conditions this year. The Climate Prediction Center issued a La Nina watch this month, predicting the climate phenomenon is likely to develop in late fall or early winter. La Nina favors drier, warmer winters in the southern U.S and wetter, cooler conditions in the northern U.S. Read the whole press release.

Maps

Clicking on the maps will show a larger version that includes Alaska and Hawaii.

Temperature Outlook



Outlook for average winter temperature across the United States (large version shows Alaska and Hawaii) for December 2016–February 2017. Anywhere in the United States, there is always a chance that the average winter temperature will be near average, well above average, or well below average. White areas show places where the odds for all three possible outcomes are equal (33%). Colored areas show where—and by how much—the odds favor well above average (reds) or well below average (blues) temperatures. "Well above" and "well below" mean "in the upper or lower third of the climatological record." NOAA Climate.gov map based on NWS Climate Prediction Center data.

Precipitation Outlook



Outlook for average winter precipitation the United States (large version shows Alaska and Hawaii) for December 2016–February 2017. Anywhere in the United States, there is always a chance that the average winter precipitation will be near average, well above average, or well below average. White areas show places where the odds for all three possible outcomes are equal (33%). Colored areas show where—and by how much—the odds favor well above average (greens) or well below average (browns) precipitation. "Well above" and "well below" mean "in the upper or lower third of the climatological record." NOAA Climate.gov map based on NWS Climate Prediction Center data.

Drought Outlook



Drought outlook for the 2016-2017 winter (December-February) in the United States. NOAA Climate.gov map based on NWS Climate Prediction Center data.

Tropical Pacific sea surface temperature patterns