Upstate New York: Winter is Coming Back to Normal

Upstate New York is in for a typical winter this year. After a few years of low snowfall, things are looking up for snow lovers. Last winter, Syracuse got 105 inches of snow, which is close to the usual 120 inches. Experts think this winter might be similar. For the past five years, snowfall in Syracuse was below 90 inches. The winters of 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 were especially warm, with only half the normal snow. But this year, things are expected to be different. The Climate Prediction Center says most of the continental U. S. will have normal winter weather. This year, there is a weak La Nina, which is when the equatorial Pacific Ocean is cooler than usual. But it is likely to fade, so other climate factors will play a bigger role.One of those factors is the polar vortex. If it gets disrupted, it could bring cold air and more snow. Also, the northern Pacific Ocean is warmer than last year. If this warmth increases, it could lead to even more snow. Closer to home, the Great Lakes are near record-high temperatures. Warmer lakes can create more lake effect snow when cold air blows over them. Nor’easters, which are big storms that come up the coast, can also bring more snow. Experts think winter will start in earnest just after Thanksgiving. Lake effect snow could pick up in December, which is good news for skiers and snowmobilers. January might be similar to last January, with changing temperatures and a mix of rain and snow.