Will NC get a snowy, cold winter? Here’s what the NOAA forecast says

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center just released its winter forecast, and if it’s accurate, North Carolinians hoping for a snowy season may be out of luck.

The Climate Prediction Center’s three-month outlook for December, January and February shows a 33%-40% likelihood of above-normal temperatures across the whole state this winter.

Eastern and parts of Central North Carolina have a 33%-50% likelihood of seeing below-normal precipitation. The dividing line between the 33%-40% likelihood and the 40%-50% likelihood of below-normal precipitation appears to cut through the Charlotte area and the Triangle.

The westernmost parts of the state, along the Tennessee border, have equal likelihood of above-normal or below-normal precipitation.

NOAA doesn’t make specific precipitation or temperature predictions more than about a week in advance. Instead, it uses historical data, trends and global weather patterns to make seasonal forecasts.

Farmers almanacs’ forecasts for winter

The Climate Prediction Center’s three-month outlook is not the only forecast out there.

The Old Farmer’s Alamanc predicted a snowy winter with colder-than-normal temperatures for North Carolina. The Farmers’ Almanac, however, predicted average temperatures and more precipitation.

Both almanacs accurately predicted the snow that fell across the Triangle in late February.

Some other conditions in nature — such as a heavy drop of acorns, walnuts or berries, the shape of persimmon seeds and the abundance of mushrooms — have been said to shed light on winter weather.

Snow in NC

Earlier this year, parts of North Carolina experienced multiple winter storms, with schools and businesses closing because of snow and dangerous driving conditions.

The snow was particularly notable in places such as Raleigh, which hadn’t seen measurable snow in years.

The storm that began Feb. 19 dropped multiple inches of snow across the state, though not evenly.

• The northeastern corner of the state, including Moyoc and Knotts Island in Currituck County, each received more than a dozen inches of snow.
• Durham, Hillsborough and Youngsville received between 3 inches and 3.5 inches.
• Between 2 inches and 3.5 inches fell across parts of Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
• Raleigh received between 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches of snow.