MoCoSnow

This year, El Nino is in place heading into winter for the first time in four years, driving the outlook for warmer-than-average temperatures for the northern tier of the continental United States, according to NOAA’s U.S. Winter Outlook released by the Climate Prediction Center — a division of the National Weather Service. Seasonal temperatures are predicted to be “Leaning Above” average with precipitation also “Leaning Above” average for the D.C. Metro area. NOAA’s seasonal outlooks provide the likelihood that temperatures and total precipitation amounts will be above-, near- or below-average (photos below). The outlook does not project seasonal snowfall accumulations as snow forecasts are generally not predictable more than a week in advance.

“These outlooks provide critical guidance on the upcoming season for many industries and sectors of our economy, from energy producers to commodities markets to agricultural interests to tourism,” said Sarah Kapnick, Ph.D., NOAA chief scientist. “With a strengthening El Nino and more potential climate extremes in an already record-breaking year, we’re lucky to have scientists like those at the Climate Prediction Center helping to build a Weather and Climate-Ready Nation by providing critical operational seasonal climate predictions.”

The 2024 Old Farmer’s Almanac is now available everywhere complete with its 2023-2024 winter weather forecast. Winter arrives this year on December 21, 2023 and sometimes brings shoveling, snow blowing, dealing with bad roads, and unbearable temperatures with it. Lately, we haven’t had much snow to talk about in our area, but this winter may be different according to the almanac with above-normal precipitation and snowfall expected for the entire region. Below, you’ll see forecasts for the Atlantic Corridor and the Appalachians, which covers all of our area.

Will There Be Snow? Yes! Winter precipitation and snowfall will be above normal (2 to 3 inches above monthly averages). The snowiest periods will occur at the end of December, late January, and mid-February. We don’t expect a white Christmas.
How Cold Will Winter Be? Winter temperatures will be above normal overall. Specifically, December is slightly above average temps; temperatures for January and February are below average. The coldest spell will run from late January into mid-February.

The Maryland Department of the Environment urged public water systems, citizens and businesses in parts of the state to continue voluntary water use restrictions as a drought watch issued earlier this summer has been upgraded to a warning.

“Water conservation is a good practice year-round, but we are asking water systems to take extra precautions as dry conditions persist,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. “Consumers can help by limiting the use and duration of sprinklers for lawns, taking short showers as opposed to baths, and not leaving the faucet running while brushing your teeth. These things sound simple, but it all adds up.”

Tropical Storm Ophelia made its way through Maryland over the weekend, dropping plenty of rain, downing trees, and flooding coastal areas. Governor Wes Moore declared a State of Emergency before the storm and the state of Maryland advised motorists to avoid driving/being out during the storm, but not everyone was satisfied with the decision to make the declaration as a few criticized the Governor’s decision.

One tweet stated, “That storm was nothing more than a little wind and rain around here with some minor coastal flooding. There was 0 need to declare a state of emergency.”, which prompted to Maryland Department of Emergency Management to reply with the following:

Per the State of Maryland: In preparation for Tropical Storm Ophelia, Governor Wes Moore has asked State departments and agencies to launch a coordinated effort to keep Marylanders safe and informed in the upcoming days. Governor Moore signed Executive Order 01.01.2023.13 declaring a state of emergency in Maryland on Friday, September 22, 2023.  Here is information on what a state of emergency means.

Not all states of emergency are the same. Each state of emergency is different and can change depending on the severity of the event or emergency.  Be sure to check with your local news and with MDEM for updated information related to states of emergency. A state of emergency has been declared in order to allow Maryland to coordinate and request emergency resources and support. A state of emergency allows the Governor to access certain resources, like the National Guard, in order to increase the State’s response.