KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — So far this year we have experienced up and down precipitation patterns, from very wet for much of the year to suddenly very dry and even a drought late Summer into Fall. So one would think that a more normal precipitation pattern may be in the offing this upcoming Winter season.
In predicting long-term weather you look for trends in the global jet stream pattern that provide a teleconnection or linkage to favored pressure patterns and resulting weather. Without an exceptional strong atmosphere/ocean signal like an El Nino or La Nina but rather more neutral conditions, it would appear that a near-average winter weather season should be expected across the TN Valley.
So overall, we are expecting near-average precipitation this Winter season. For temperatures, the warmer-than-average temperature trend may continue into part of Winter, so slightly above average temperatures are anticipated.
Predicting snowfall across our region is highly dependent on topography and elevation makes a big difference in snowfall amounts. Higher the elevation, higher the snow totals. So this is why the Cumberland Plateau and Mountains will typically receive more snow than the Valley below.
With that in mind, the snowfall forecast for the Valley this Winter season is a range of 4 to 8 inches, which is right at the average of 6 inches typically received each winter. For the Plateau, a range of 10 to 15 inches of snow is expected, which is near to slightly above the average of 11.5 inches. And in the lower elevation Mountains and Foothills, a range of 10 to 20 inches is being forecast, which is close to average.
So, a near-average winter season is being forecast for precipitation and snowfall. But keep in mind amounts can vary widely from point-to-point within the same region and even the same county. The key is to pay attention to the latest forecasts and stay weather alert whenever snow is in the forecast!
More of what you need to know heading into winter:
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