The upcoming winter season in the US will see a significant variations in weather. The central and eastern part of America is going to see severe changes in the weather department. However, we should not neglect other parts of the US as they will also face interesting weather alterations in the 2023- 2024 season.
EL Nino will play a pivotal role here just like in the summer. The winters in the US are going to be heavily influenced by this climate phenomenon. We will explain all of the climatic weather changes that the people of the US including you, will see. So here is the forecast breakdown of the US for the upcoming 2023-2024 season.
The Role of El Nino
The middle and eastern Pacific Ocean, close to the equator, has extended above-average sea surface temperatures during El Nino. It is a periodic, major climatic phenomenon that meteorologists use to see changes in ocean temperatures. As a result, it allows meteorologists to understand the series of events that reconfigure the jet stream, which in turn affects weather patterns around the world, including in North America.
Winter is when El Nino is most noticeable, especially when it becomes a powerful occurrence, as is predicted for this winter. El Nino may cause substantial changes in weather patterns at these times. There will be frequent changes in precipitation, temperature, and storm patterns.
East Coast US
The weather forecast for the US East Coast, especially in the Northeast, is expected to be very different from the last winter. In places like New York City, and Philadelphia, there was little snowfall the previous winter.
A striking contrast is anticipated between last winter and this one, with much more snowfall projected. Long-range weather forecasters predict snowfall of between 38 and 44 inches in Boston, 18 and 26 inches in New York City, and 16 and 24 inches in Philadelphia. All these predictions are closer to historical snowfall averages.
In addition, lake-effect snow, which might bring significant accumulations, is anticipated to affect regions downwind of the Great Lakes in late fall and early 2024.
Southeast US
El Nino is also expected to have an impact on weather patterns in the Southeastern United States in 2023 and 2024. El Nino is often associated with severe weather in Florida. The severe weather of the Gulf Coast states always brings EL Nino into the conversation. In addition, the Gulf of Mexico’s sea surface temperatures will be above average in this area. Hence, it will foster the development of severe weather events in the region.
The Southeast may see cold air spells during these severe weather events that extend as far south as the Gulf of Mexico. In comparison to the previous winter, January and February are predicted to be noticeably colder, which will boost the need for heating in places like Atlanta, New Orleans, Dallas, and Houston. There is also a potential for snow and ice around this time in the Southeast.
Central US
The Midwest saw a heavy snowfall last winter, with Minneapolis seeing the third-heaviest snowfall ever at 90.3 inches. But this winter is anticipated to be warmer, with less snowfall anticipated.
December 2023 and the beginning of 2024 are expected to be moderate with fewer cold waves due to the early season. However, a change in the polar vortex later in the winter may bring icy Arctic air, resulting in some of the coldest circumstances.
Although energy costs may increase, the Midwest and Northern Plains’ overall energy demand should be close to or below historical norms.
Lake-effect snow may be impacted by the Great Lake’s ice cover. Denver and Kansas City, which are located further south, are expected to see more snow this year than they did last.
Western US
Due to atmospheric rivers, California saw a record-breaking winter that included significant snowfall and severe rainfall. Due to the anticipated El Nino-influenced weather patterns, a similar scenario is possible this winter in California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado
Over California, El Nino often brings about a stormy trend with rain and mountain snow. Storms may fill reservoirs and provide ideal skiing conditions in the Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico regions if the jet stream directs them toward these places. However, the amount of snowfall may fall short of last season’s records.
On the other hand, it is predicted that the Northwest, including Washington and Oregon, will miss most of the rain and mountain snow. As a result, it will worsen the already severe drought conditions. Over the course of the summer, the drought in these areas got increasingly worse.
The main storm track is probably going to linger south of the Northwest, so the drought might get worse and spread earlier in 2024. Meanwhile, a decent ski season is anticipated for 2023–2024 in the Appalachians and higher elevations in the Northeast.
For those interested in winter sports and those worried about the drought, this view offers a glance into the probable weather effects in these areas.