A La Niña weather pattern expected to develop this fall is likely to mean another warmer-than-average North Carolina winter, but farmers’ almanacs say there’s still at least a chance of some snow.
While the rest of us were complaining about the summer heat, forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Old Farmer’s Almanac and The Farmers Almanac pondered what the weather will be come December, January and February. They disagree on details, but the almanacs offer a little hope for those wondering if it will ever snow again in Raleigh .
What’s La Niña got to do with it?
NOAA forecasters have been on a La Niña watch nearly all year. In a September update , forecasters said conditions now suggest the La Niña will develop between September and November, a month or more later than originally expected. It’s expected to last at least through January and possibly through March.
A La Niña often, but not always, follows an El Niño like the one last winter and is essentially the opposite phenomenon. NOAA says La Niña happens when the trade winds over the Pacific Ocean along the equator are stronger than usual and push warm water toward Asia. That causes cold water to rise to the surface off the U.S. Pacific Coast, which pushes the jet stream toward the north.