It appears that eastern North Carolina will see a colder than normal winter this year.  A new winter forecast from the Climate Prediction Center indicates that the southeast one-third of the United States should experience below normal temperatures.  We are also expected to see near or above normal rainfall, especially in January and February.  At this point it is not possible to determine how much colder than normal this winter will be.  The level of cold will determine just how much snow or ice eastern North Carolina will see.  The most likely time for snow and ice in our area is January into early March although heavy snow has fallen as early as early December.  

Other parts of the country will see near or above normal temperatures.  The Pacific Northwest, Upper Plains and Upper Midwest should see above normal temperatures and dry conditions.  It should be a less snowy winter in such places as Chicago and Minneapolis.  Mountainous areas in the Southeast such as western North Carolina should see more snow and ice this winter.