Wintry conditions are set to hit the Western US, a drought-stricken region characterized with ongoing wildfires and high temperatures, according to a new weather forecast.
A cold jet stream and storm system are causing the winterlike weather conditions that will affect cities like Seattle, Sacramento, and other cities across the region.
The forecast also contradicts previous weather outlooks.
US Wintry Conditions
AccuWeather meteorologists asserted that a weather pattern change will bring will end the abnormally dry conditions starting with the approaching storm.
The US weather forecasting campy adds this weather will change consist mostly of bringing rainfall, mountain snow, am d cooler conditions.
This week, the meteorologists expect the passing of the weather systems could result in travel delays drought relief, and winterlike conditions.
One forecaster from AccuWeather meteorologist Haley Taylor said this is made possible as the incoming storm will allow the entry of colder air flow in to the US region.
As a result, cooler temperatures are expected in these coming days.
Also Read: Renewed Winter Weather Forecast to Continue in Central US from Monday
NOAA 2022 US Winter Outlook
On October 20, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued its 2022 US Winter Outlook report, forecasting drought will persist in the Great Plains, some parts of the American West, and other regions across the country.
The looming drought threat will coincide with an ongoing La Nina weather phenomenon for the third consecutive year during the winter season.
In particular, the NOAA's Climate Prediction Center (CPC) released the outlook that the climate pattern will drive warmer-than-average temperatures to the Southwest US, the Gulf Coast, and Eastern US between the months of December and February.
The NOAA predicted that there will be drier-than-average conditions across the South US with increased wet weather.
Similar conditions are reportedly possible in some areas of Ohio Valley, Great Lakes, northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest.
Due to the unpredictable naturel of weather and climate, other regions in the North American nation are possible within the said period.
NOAA forecasters also collaborated with the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), which stated that drought conditions are present in 59% of the country, with parts of the Western US, southern Great Plains will be the hardest hit during the winter season.
Contradicting Winter Forecasts
The NOAA and NIDIS drought forecast for the US this upcoming winter could potentially contradict succeeding forecasts for December in the coming days and weeks.
For instance, a separate yet related forecast of the National Weather Service (NWS) shows the prevalence and persistence of cold weather systems affecting the American West and Eastern Seaboard in recent days.
This week alone, rainfall and mountain snow occurred in the Pacific Northwest, which experienced a completely different weather scenario over two weeks ago when forecasts by US weather authorities of further drought and dry conditions will further exacerbate high temperatures and ongoing wildfires, especially in California and other areas.
In relation to the latest AccuWeather forecast, a full-blown winter season could replace the existing drought-winter forecast should the cold jet stream and storm system continues in the region.
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