The Northeast Weather Blog...

Winter Outlook 2008-2009

Posted by: Zachary Labe, 12:30 PM GMT on September 01, 2008

Winter Outlook 2008-2009 (December, January, February)

(Ice Storm of December 2007)

Introducing thoughts...
So I have been announcing this blog for quite awhile. Many forecasters like to get out their forecasts come October and early November because there is a more clear focus on what will happen with ENSO forecasts. But I like to get my forecasts out early and ride with them without making any changes. My seasonal forecast for winter is unusual to a point as I do not define an analog year and I do not base my forecast purely on the overall climatic scheme. My winter outlook is based on recent weather patterns, climatic forecasts from models, ENSO type patterns, sun forecasts, and teleconnections. As many people know I am definitely a winter person. I have been waiting for the return of winter for a long time, especially after a most boring summer with non-eventful weather. But there were some interesting events that occurred in the winter that could possibly show us future patterns for early winter. There is also one other thing I slightly base my forecast on and that is nature patterns, which basically no professional meteorologists forecast based on. But I have always felt that animals are the world's best little meteorologists. Below the following sections will the key forecasting techniques I use for making my winter forecasts break all up. For those who missed my first in the Labor Day Weekend blog series, here is a link... Link. In this blog I took a look back at my summer forecast I made in April of 2008 and I looked at where my forecast errors were. See comments #1 and #13 for more details. So now onto my winter outlook!!!

Look back at typical Pennsylvania's winters...
An average winter in Pennsylvania consists of many different types of winter weather. Winters in Pennsylvania are more severe than middle Atlantic winters and Ohio valley winters, but less severe than neighboring New England winters. On average the first snowflakes fall in mid to late October in the northwestern part of the state. And the last snowflakes typically fall in the northwestern part of the state in early May. Frost season lasts from early October to mid May in most areas. The geographic regions of Pennsylvania play a major part in snow totals and temperatures.

("Courtesy of NOAA")
There are two regions of Pennsylvania that see significantly higher snow totals than the rest of the state. The Laural Highlands and Northwest Mountains see snow totals well over 100inches every winter. In extreme winters snow may be on the ground into June with seasonal totals of over 200inches. The seasonal snow total record is held in Corry, Pennsylvania of 237inches. The monthly snow total record is held in Blue Knob, Pennsylvania with 96inches of snow. Corry is found in the northwest mountains and Blue Knob is a ski resort found in the Laural Highlands. Blue Knob is the highest ski able mountain in Pennsylvania. Below is a map of average seasonal snow totals in Pennsylvania.

("Courtesy of NOAA")
Different types of winter storms affect the state of Pennsylvania, clipper systems, lake effect snow outbreaks, nor'easters, advection snows, and etc. The coldest month is typically January statewide. And the snowiest month statewide is typically February. Northwest Pennsylvania typically sees a majority of their snows in Lake Effect snow outbreaks. While eastern Pennsylvania sees most of their snows from coastal storms. When coastal storms come up the coast many areas in Pennsylvania can see major snowstorms. The Poconos typically see the most snow from coastal storms due to their elevation aid to precipitation totals. Some of the greatest storm total snowfall records are actually held in eastern Pennsylvania and not in the northwest Snowbelt regions. The highest average seasonal snow average is found in Corry, Pennsylvania with an average of 118inches. While the low seasonal snow total is found in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with 21inches of snow. As far as temperatures go the coldest temperatures are found in the Alleghany Plateau region with the lowest temperature every recorded in Pennsylvania was in Smethport with -42degrees. Temperatures typically dip below freezing every day from November to March statewide. Extreme cold outbreaks typically occur around mid to late January. At times warm thaws may occur, but they are rare and sparse. As for ice storms they typically occur in December when the sun's rays are at their lowest. Very odd winter weather features occur each year including thunder snows, etc. and thunder snows are like thunderstorms but with snow instead of rain. Snow rates up to 5inches can occur. Thunder snows are mostly likely associated with frontal passages and lake effect snows. As far as winds, typically northwest winds setup on the coldest of winter days and can gust up to 50mph. Wind chills as low as -25degrees are felt almost at least once in the mountains of Pennsylvania. On average winds gust to 30mph several times each month. For ice on waterways, many northern lakes and rivers solidly freeze every winter. For southern areas ice forms every winter, but does not necessarily become very thick. During extreme winters though even southern regions can see ice thicknesses of over a foot. The most extreme winter storms that affect Pennsylvania are nor'easters though. They affect large areas of the state with high winds and heavy precipitation. On rare occasions snow totals of over 35inches have occurred with snowdrifts as high as 6ft in many areas of eastern Pennsylvania. Winters in Pennsylvania overall are relatively severe, with geographic regions playing a major part in average snow totals and cold temperatures.

Recent weather patterns...
This summer has been very unusual with our warmest weather falling before summer officially begins. The worst heat wave occured in early June and after that temperature trends began to decline to below normal. One other thing to note is the extremely cool May weather we had in 2008. Troughs dominated the region with many days going in the 30s for lows. Here is a statement I made back on May 19 about the weather we had so far that month. Good Wednesday afternoon!!! Wow, what a miserable May it has been. My highest temperature is 79degrees and that is basically one of very few 70degrees temperatures this month. Yesterday my high temperature was 49degrees along with .39inches of rain. It is amazing of how winter like this pattern we are in looks like. Like the rain yesterday was from an Alberta clipper type storm. And today a cold front is moving through with rainsqualls. Northwest flows also have been quite common this month. Snow this month has been surprisingly more often than it was in April for some mountain areas. Also remember the strong nor'easter we had two weeks ago with 2-4inches of snow in the mountains and in the valleys up to 1inch of snow. Then more traces of snow were recorded. And just the other day snow was reported in Bradford and Johnstown with lake effect snow. In the suburbs of Buffalo, NY up to 1inch of snow fell that day also. Now still snow is in the forecast for northern areas as a shortwave moves through Thursday morning. This is just getting unbelievable. Then came June and a brief impressive heat wave occured in the early part of the month, but throughout the rest of the month temperatures were below normal with troughs. But overall the month ended up above normal thanks to the record-breaking heat wave. For July temperatures were pretty close to normal with a brief heat wave or two during the month, but overall once again more troughs over the region. And August, well what happened to summer during the month, troughs dominated the region with blocking highs. Temperatures were near 6 degrees below normal in the mountains of Pennsylvania. Pretty amazing. For the most part of summer the NAO has consistently been negative which is indicate of east coast below normal temperatures. From April 15 to August 30 the NAO has only been positive for five short periods.

(Courtesy of NOAA)
So looking ahead to September it appears the NAO stays negative and keeps troughs moving over the region for the most part. I always have believed in long-term patterns with the teleconnections and it appears the negative NAO will continue through the winter, but I will talk about that more in a section below. Here is a map showing the average storm tracks from the past 90days along with accumulated precipitation...

(Courtesy of NOAA)
There is no definite correlation between a cold summer leading to a cold winter, but I do feel it sometimes helps in the situation.

Climatic forecasts from computer models...
I really do not rely on computer models for the most part in forecasting short-term climate forecasts, but in any case here in the CFS forecast which takes an average of the NCEP models for several month periods. But overall looking at the CFS there appears to be the forecast of a very cold fall, especially November with normal to above normal temperatures for the months of December, January, and February. The CFS though has been back and forth with predictions with just two weeks ago it was predicting below normal temperatures for the key winter months. Here is a link to the month temperature anomaly forecasts... Link. As for the EURO long-term model, it is released to professional meteorologists each month. Last that I had heard from the August 15 release, it showed below normal temperatures with above normal precipitation across much of the east coast. Here is a link to the release statements... Link. My forecasts usually do not use too much computer model guidance for long-term forecasts. So overall that is all the information I use for my overall forecast.

ENSO climate forecasts...
One of the key players in this winter's forecast is the development of either a pacific La Nina or El Nino. Last year the winter was highly dominated by a very strong La Nina, which caused an unusual jet stream favoring very heavy snow north of I-80 also causing a very active storm pattern. Looking over some of the latest data I have come up with this conclusion. Neutral conditions will persist through the Fall of 2008. Come the winter months of December, January, and November conditions will generally be near neutral slightly leaning towards a weak La Nina. Below are the latest sea surface temperatures for the Pacific which indicate neutral conditions...

(Courtesy of NOAA)
Looking at the latest global model forecasts they generally agree with neutral conditions to even slightly positive conditions with a weak El Nino. But still overall mainly neutral. Looking at the latest CFS spaghetti plot it shows neutral to weak La Nina conditions persisting through most of the winter months. Overall with a weak La Nina possible this favors colder than normal temperatures along with above normal precipitation due to active jet stream. Many infamous winters occured with a weak La Nina such as 1995-1996.

Sun forecast...
While some people do not agree on this topic, one thing for sure is the sun controls our weather. According to the USA Today Weather Book by Jack Williams, sunspots are dark regions on the sun's surface that average about five times the size of the earth. While the sunspots are associated with cool temperatures, they release tremendous amounts of heat and energy towards the Earth. During periods of low sunspot cycles some astronomers and meteorologists agree that is correlated to slightly below normal temperatures on the Earth. Currently the sun has been ever so quiet with absolutely no sunspots in quite a long time. I have seen several correlations between low sunspot periods and rough east coast winters. Here is a chart showing future predictions for sun spot cycles...

(Courtesy of NASA)
Based on this many meteorologists believe this winter will be faced with below normal temperatures. The Farmers Almanac believes we are headed into a colder pattern thanks to cycle 23. Forecasts continue to push back the date of the next cycle, 24 which may max out around 2011, but that date has been pushed back several times. Here is a link to the current picture of the sun... Link. While many meteorologists do not agree on the impact of sunspots, there is some factual evidence to suggest that the "Little Ice Age" was due to a low sunspot cycle.

Teleconnections...
Now I hinted on this earlier, but I do believe we are headed into a long-term negative NAO regime. Here is a link to the CPC teleconnection page... Link. Also it appears that a positive PNA and negative AO will persist through the winter. I really do not have much to mention about the teleconnections for the winter other than my predictions.

A look at what mother earth is telling us...
While this section is anything but scientific, I do find that animals have a sense of forecasting the weather. No I do not mean like a groundhog seeing its shadow, but I mean by looking at annual migrations of bird, etc. I have seen abnormal amounts of Canadian Geese already beginning their migration southward throughout the past week. This is way ahead of schedule. Fall leaves are beginning to change much earlier than normal. Last year leaves changed late. There are plenty of other unusual things occurring. Squirrels have been actively gathering acorns for the winter also. If anyone else has any observations, please leave them in a comment below. Nature can tell us a lot about the weather, but most professionals are reluctant to take notice.

Overall forecast...
So overall here is my forecast for the 2008-2009 winter for the months of December, January, and February. For snowfall I am thinking normal snowfall for most locations, but above normal snowfall in the typical lake effect snow belts thanks to very active arctic front patterns followed by lake effect snow. The pattern will favor very chilly and dry air sometimes suppressing precipitation to the south of the region as we have seen this August already.
Snowfall Outlook

As for temperatures I think we are going to see widespread below normal temperatures for a majority of the state, though I do not see temperatures being values anywhere near record values for coldest winters.
Temperature Outlook

Concluding thoughts...
While my discussions above are at times not typical to other seasonal forecaster's methods, I try to use techniques that work for my liking. I do not use any previous analog years. Also I did release my winter outlook relatively early, because I like to get my thoughts out early, even though some may argue it is too early to get a feel for the overall climatic scheme. On March 1, which is the end of the meteorological winter, I will reopen this seasonal outlook and take a look at my forecast accuracies and errors. I was pleased with my summer 2008 forecast, so we will have to wait and see how this forecast turns out. These are experimental forecasts, which provide several learning opportunities for others and myself. I do not consider seasonal forecasting one of my strong subjects, as it takes an expert to look at all of the forecasting variables to make a seasonal prediction. In any case I am excited about the prospects of this winter and hope everyone will be ready to share forecasting ideas for each major winter storm with speculation ranging from best to worst case scenario. I will release my winter format for my blogs sometime this month probably in a week or two. Hopefully this will be an exciting winter. Have a wonderful and safe winter!!! And be sure to stay tuned throughout the winter to my blog updates, lol. Have a great day!!!

Categories: Winter Forecast

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101. Zachary Labe 11:57 PM GMT on September 04, 2008
weathergeek5- O yes I do too. Isabel brought down a large part of a tree in my front yard during the night. Member Since: December 14, 2007 Posts: 255 Comments: 14363

102. weathergeek5 12:02 AM GMT on September 05, 2008
Did you go outside and observe the conditions? Member Since: December 25, 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 1729

103. Zachary Labe 12:06 AM GMT on September 05, 2008
weathergeek5- Yea I was outside. Though I remember most of the worst of the wind occuring late at night. At that time I did not yet have my hand-held anemometer to record the wind gusts while I was outside. Also Isabel was before I began documenting the weather every day. I have been keep accurate records of each day's weather for the past three years. Member Since: December 14, 2007 Posts: 255 Comments: 14363

104. weathergeek5 12:14 AM GMT on September 05, 2008
I will be watching Ike to see what he does. After that I think shear values in the Atlantic are supposed to go up for a bit Member Since: December 25, 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 1729

105. cchamp6 12:18 AM GMT on September 05, 2008
Blizz, When did you hear about a funnel cloud? I didnt hear about it. Watertown is only 5 miles to my south. There was a ton of thunderstorms last evening, even after I thought we were done. Lightning lasted for what seemed like hours. I only had about a third of an inch of rain. Member Since: December 21, 2006 Posts: 5 Comments: 1543

106. Zachary Labe 12:35 AM GMT on September 05, 2008
weathergeek5- Tropics always seem to go in interval patterns varying between active weeks and non-active weeks. I will definitely be watching Ike. cchamp6- Really, wow. I heard it from a public report. I am not sure where the report could be found. At least you got some rain. Member Since: December 14, 2007 Posts: 255 Comments: 14363

107. dean2007 12:39 AM GMT on September 05, 2008
Blizzard thoughts on the tornado threat for Southern New England on Saturday the SPC is talking about for the day three outlook. Although they have 5% out for now do to Hanna's uncertain future track.

108. Zachary Labe 12:49 AM GMT on September 05, 2008
dean2007- I guess there is always a chance of tornadoes with a landfalling tropical system. Overall I do not see anything that would enhance that threat. At this point I would say it should be not too much of a concern. I think most of the rain will be over the stratiform variety. But to the east of the center then there maybe some convection with slight tornado threat. Member Since: December 14, 2007 Posts: 255 Comments: 14363

109. dean2007 2:03 AM GMT on September 05, 2008
Ok thanks.

110. shoreacres 4:08 AM GMT on September 05, 2008
Hi, Blizzard, Ok, it's time to seek a little knowledge. I just peeked at the models for Ike, and there our boy is, sneaking into the Gulf next week (according to the European and GFDL). I went looking but couldn't find anything that shows me what the situation for steering is going to be. Any projected fronts, or high pressure, or whatever, that would keep that thing away from TX/LA? It's too soon to have to get nervous again, but I might as well get nervous now and get it over with! LOL! Member Since: October 4, 2004 Posts: 196 Comments: 14841

111. Zachary Labe 10:13 AM GMT on September 05, 2008
shoreacres- Good morning!!! There is one major steering mechanism that will either lift Ike northward or keep it at a westerly pace as that is another trough digging down from the Midwest. If Ike can feel the weakeness in the trough it will lift slightly northward. Personally that is what I am thinking now. When looking for surface features use the 500mb charts on the global models which will point out, highs, lows, ridges, troughs, etc. Keep monitoring Ike. Have a great day!!! Member Since: December 14, 2007 Posts: 255 Comments: 14363

112. MDFirefighter 10:18 AM GMT on September 05, 2008
Good morning Blizzard. Ready for some rain? lol Member Since: February 11, 2006 Posts: 1 Comments: 1201

113. Zachary Labe 10:21 AM GMT on September 05, 2008
MDFirefighter- Good morning!!! Yep, I am ready. Model trends seemed to have moved the track slightly farther west overnight which is better for us to see some excitement. Member Since: December 14, 2007 Posts: 255 Comments: 14363

114. MDFirefighter 10:22 AM GMT on September 05, 2008
Haha, I'm ready as well. Too bad this isn't winter :P LOL Member Since: February 11, 2006 Posts: 1 Comments: 1201

115. jthal57 10:24 AM GMT on September 05, 2008
Blizzard-Saturday should be interesting to see how Hannah effects our area

116. Zachary Labe 10:28 AM GMT on September 05, 2008
MDFirefighter- Yep, but our winter time will come shortly...hopefully, lol. jthal57- You are in a very good area to see the effects of Hanna. I am thinking a track up the I-95 corridor. *New blog should be out by evening about Hanna. Member Since: December 14, 2007 Posts: 255 Comments:** 14363

117. TheRasberryPatch 11:17 AM GMT on September 05, 2008
it will be interesting to see my anemometer working from Hanna, since this summer it has been tasked hardly. i hope we get some beneficial rain. Blizz, what are you thoughts on the beaches of MD and DE. I hope it isn't too bad. I have my boat in the water in a back bay that is somewhat protected. One other thing Blizz. I saw another wolly caterpillar again with no black stripes. its color is almost golden Member Since: January 26, 2007 Posts: 72 Comments: 5715

118. sullivanweather 4:20 PM GMT on September 05, 2008
Looks like you're hitting 90 again today. Yesterday at this time you were at the same temp and wound up at 93. I think 91 is entirely possible. Member Since: March 8, 2007 Posts: 269 Comments: 12492

119. dean2007 6:14 PM GMT on September 05, 2008
HANNA BECOMING MORE TROPICAL...STRENGTHENING MAY BE IMMINENT I want to pass along details as I notice them...a few things so far this morning: * Hanna is wrapping thunderstorms steadily around her center now and is over 85 degree ocean water that supports a Cat 5 storm. She won't grow that strong - limited time over water before landfall and not perfect conditions aloft - but she looks poised to strengthen * Dry air intrusion on the east side limited Hanna for the last few days. Thunderstorms are filling that void and cutting off the dry air. A well developed center will get the heat engine going. * Latest recon aircraft found no strengthening, but came out as the organizing process was underway. * QuikScat satellite estimated winds show weakening winds far north of the center - in other words, the wind field is contracting and Hanna is becoming more tropical in nature. * Will watch for continued signs of strengthening - wouldn't be shocked to see her strengthen linearly until landfall in NC very early Sat. This would mean stronger wind gusts for New England later. Right now, still thinking this may happen and that's why I'm sticking with SE gusts to 60-70 mph possible in SE MA and Cape Cod/Islands for a time overnight Sat night. Scattered trees down, power lines down, and typical marine impacts, but lower astronomical high tide limits flooding threat along the coast. Matt Noyes.

120. Zachary Labe 7:08 PM GMT on September 05, 2008
TheRasberryPatch- Good afternoon!!! I will provide all the updates concerning Hanna in my new blog which will be posted in about one hour. sullivanweather- Good afternoon!!! Currently 89degrees here. dean2007- Good afternoon!!! Sounds good for you up there. I want to continuous reports out of Cape Cod! Member Since: December 14, 2007 Posts: 255 Comments: 14363

121. dean2007 7:39 PM GMT on September 05, 2008
I will have weather reports Blizzard, unless we loose power here, which is possible. Matt Noyes says winds could gust 60 to 70mph. He says Hanna could be an 80 to 90mph hurricane at landfall. Hanna is really getting her act together. Its too bad for Hanna that it took so long. Great for us thought because she doesn't have the potential to become a category three or four hurricane like the GFDL had a few days before.

122. dean2007 7:39 PM GMT on September 05, 2008
Also Blizzard there is a Flood Watch for us.

123. Zachary Labe 7:44 PM GMT on September 05, 2008
dean2007- Flood watch and wind advisory here. I agree with a minimal hurricane upon landfall. Member Since: December 14, 2007 Posts: 255 Comments: 14363

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Cornell University- Atmospheric Sciences Student; Central PA SKYWARN Storm Spotter; American Meteorological Society Member; PA CoCoRaHS Branch Member

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Elevation:	520 ft
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