This follows AccuWeather's similar forecast from last week, suggesting a mild, low-snow winter for the region. However, there are mixed predictions regarding snowfall levels.

According to NOAA, a developing La Niña weather pattern is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming winter season. Specifically, the NOAA Climate Prediction Center is forecasting warmer temperatures not only for New Jersey but also for New York and most of Pennsylvania. On the other hand, the precipitation levels for these areas remain uncertain, with NOAA indicating that there are equal chances for below-average, near-average, or above-average precipitation.

La Niña, a natural climate phenomenon characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific near the equator, can influence the track and strength of snowstorms across the United States by affecting the jet stream. Historically, many La Niña winters over the past 30 years have resulted in milder temperatures and average or below-average snowfall in the eastern U.S. However, some La Niña winters have also brought heavy snow to New Jersey.

Jon Gottschalck, chief of the Operational Prediction Branch of NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, noted that the anticipated La Niña pattern for this winter is expected to be weaker than usual. Therefore, its impact might not be as pronounced.

The NOAA winter outlook covers the meteorological winter months of December, January, and February, though it does not provide specific snowfall projections. Typically, New Jersey averages about 34 inches of snow per year in the northern part of the state, 28 inches in Central Jersey, and 18 inches in South Jersey.

Last week's forecast from AccuWeather also predicted warmer-than-average temperatures and less snow than usual for New Jersey and other major cities and metro regions in the eastern U.S., including New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Boston. AccuWeather cited three major factors contributing to this outlook: warm water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico and northern Pacific, a weak La Niña weather pattern, and a tight polar vortex.

As both NOAA and AccuWeather point to a potentially warmer winter, New Jersey residents may need to prepare for a season marked by unpredictability in snowfall.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local weather news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.