### NOAA Predicts Varied Weather for New England This Winter

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its winter outlook for 2024-2025, suggesting that a weak La Nina may develop this autumn and persist until March. The NOAA's Climate Prediction Center estimates a 60 percent chance of this climatic pattern, which can lead to extreme weather conditions depending on the region and time of year.

For New England, La Nina is likely to bring warmer-than-average temperatures along the eastern seaboard, including the eastern Great Lakes, northern Alaska, and the southern tier of the U.S. Additionally, NOAA forecasts an improvement or resolution of drought conditions in the mid-Atlantic, New England, Central Appalachians, Ohio Valley, Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii.

Regarding snowfall in New England, NOAA scientist Michael C. Morgan predicts that northern and interior parts of the region may experience above-average snowfall. However, major coastal cities might see a higher frequency of rain and ice events mixed with snow, influenced by La Nina.

Boston 25 Meteorologist Shiri Spear weighed in on the outlook, remarking that predictions for total snowfall are uncertain. "We don't have a big indicator pointing toward whether we're going to have above or below-average snowfall. When I look back at the last 10 La Nina winters, it kind of averages out to normal snowfall. But we definitely had some snowier and less snowy winters," Spear said. She emphasized the need to assess the situation storm by storm.

Despite these predictions, it's important to note that seasonal snowfall accumulations are usually not predictable more than a week in advance.