The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or NOAA has released their winter season outlook. For a second winter in a row, La Nina will have an effect on weather patterns across the country. This cooling of the equatorial waters of the Pacific Ocean can have a big impact on the weather patterns across the northern hemisphere. No doubt there are other ingredients that go into long term weather prediction, but this is one indicator that has proven to be effective in making a forecast. As it stands now the general consensus is for a cold and snowy winter as it might compare to an average winter season. There is some belief that this winter may get off to a “slow start”, but it could eventually be similar to last winter. The 2010-2011 winter brought 127 inches of snow to Rochester compared to an average 100 inch season.
