Winter Anticipated To Be Slightly Colder Than Normal
Montana can anticipate slightly lower than normal temperatures this winter, according to the National Weather Service.
The NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center reports that there’s a 50-60 percent chance that northern portions of Montana will experience below average temperatures.
“Consistent with typical La Nina conditions during winter months, we anticipate below-normal temperatures along portions of the northern tier of the U.S. while much of the South experiences above-normal temperatures,” said Jon Gottschalck, chief, Operational Prediction Branch, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.
According to the prediction outlook, eastern Montana and North Dakota have “equal chances” of having below normal or above normal precipitation this winter. Central Montana has a 33-40 percent probability of above normal precipitation while western Montana has a 40-50 percent chance of above normal precipitation.
The forecast calls for above-average temperatures across the South and most of the eastern parts of the country as La Nina climate conditions are taking place for the second straight winter.
Above average precipitation is anticipated across portions of the Pacific Northwest, northern Rockies, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and western Alaska.
Northeastern Montana experienced a cool trend last week with high temperatures in the 50s and lows in the 30s. The forecast for later this week are for highs in the higher 50s and lows in the 30s. The lows are expected to dip into the mid 20s during the weekend.
