The 2012 snow forecast for the United States is encouraging for those yearning for a taste of winter after the dismal showing that mother nature provided last winter with mild temperatures and little snow in many regions of the country. After the record breaking summer heat wave and the extreme drought that has plagued much of the nation this year even those who enjoy warm over cold and their precipitation in the form of rain versus snow are probably looking forward to some relief and a change of scenery that this winters 2012 snow forecast is promising.
It’s hard for many to believe that the return of more winter like conditions may be just several months away. Forecasters see similar conditions shaping up that could produced the epic winters that occurred during the late seventies. El Nino will be in play this winter possibly bringing a strong southern jet stream across the United States that when impacted by cold shots of air coming down from Canada has the potential to produce snow storms that could wreak havoc on the East Coast. According to Accuweather cities such as Washington D.C., Philadelphia and New York have the potential to see above average snowfall this upcoming winter.
No two El Nino’s are alike and other factors such as the timing of the weather systems forming out of the jet stream will be crucial in determining what form of precipitation and how much rain, ice or snow regions of the country will see. Volcanic and solar activity also play a role in weather patterns and may influence the upcoming winter weather.
The eastern seaboard is expected to experience shots of brutal winter weather. Frigid temperatures and above average snowfall are likely. Southeast states and the Gulf Coast may receive above average precipitation with temperatures more in line with normal conditions.
The Midwest and parts of Texas which have experienced extreme drought conditions should see some relief with winter moisture being above average although not enough rain and snow will fall to break the current drought that has been on going in some areas for upwards of four years. Above average precipitation in the spring and summer of 2013 are what will be needed to end the current drought which is pushing up food prices across the nation and wreaking havoc with many local economies.
A promising start to the 2011 ski season in the Rocky Mountains quickly fizzled. This looks not to be the case this year with a earlier start to colder temperatures and a more active weather pattern bringing at least the promise of more snow and better skiing conditions for the area. Snowy weather patterns beginning in October should keep ski resorts In Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona busy bringing much needed tourists dollars into the local communities.
The West Coast 2012 snow forecast models point to the possibility of early season snow storms before things began to taper off. This sets up the possibility for a below normal winter snow season which will not be beneficial for a region that in some areas experienced lack of precipitation last winter. The California Department of Water Resources models suggest that water supplies in the state may start to become worrisome as the state grapples with some aspects of a drought that much of the rest of the nation is dealing with.
Overall the 2012 snow forecast suggest a more interesting winter than last winter. Being prepared and aware of local weather conditions at all times makes possible a safe and happy winter season no matter what winter weather the nation experiences.
