Long-Range Winter Weather Forecast Predicts a Bit of Everything

The first week of December proved to be an unseasonably cold start to the meteorological winter. Does this mean that the rest of the month will unfold in the same manner? Read on for what the experts are saying about what to expect the rest of December and for the winter season.

What to Expect for the Rest of December

The long-range forecast is calling for a bit of a roller coaster ride in the months ahead. Meteorological winter got its official start on December 1, however, the astronomical winter will not begin until the solstice happens on December 21.

Whether you go by the meteorological winter or the astronomical winter calendar, there is no doubt that the coming months will usher in a variety of impacts. The start of the month saw frigid temperatures and snow for the eastern half of the country while the West enjoyed dry and mild conditions. Is this weather a preview of what is to come? Not so fast, according to meteorologists.

The latest forecast models indicate that the weather pattern will change by the middle of December, resulting in milder air coming through the central and eastern portions of the U.S. However, it will be the opposite situation for the West as an active storm track originating in the Pacific Ocean results in rain and snow for the higher terrains. For instance, the Pacific Northwest is forecast to see significant rain and snow to bring the month to a close.