Following a frigid start to December across much of the eastern U.S. that featured feet of lake-effect snow near the Great Lakes, AccuWeather long-range experts have forecasted a temperature tug of war in the updated winter forecast.
“We’re going to see waves of colder air through the winter season,” says long-range forecaster Paul Pastelok. “Get ready for a lot of ups and downs.”
December kicked off with an arctic blast in the eastern U.S., leaving much of the West mild and dry. The pattern is flipping in mid-December with a thaw and mild weather in the east and central U.S., as well as rain and snow in parts of the West. “We’re favoring heavier rain and snow in the Pacific Northwest and occasionally in Northern California,” Pastelok said. “It could turn colder for the Northeast, Great Lakes, and Midwest, but not as intense as the start of the month.”
