Winter forecast leans toward warmer than average temps in our region

Federal forecasters from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center say that a powerful El Niño (warm-water) event in the Pacific Ocean should mean a good chance for a warmer-than-normal winter in our region. 

The forecast issued this week covers December, January and February, known as meteorological winter. It says average temperatures should "lean toward" the warmer side across the northern tier of the U.S. and also include the length of the Ohio River valley. 

In Paducah, normal daily highs in December range from 52 to 46 degrees; 44 to 46 in January; and 46 to 54 degrees in February. 

Paducah's normal lows range in December from 33 to 29; January around 27; and February from 28 to 34 degrees.

No parts of the nation are forecast to to be colder than average.

As for precipitation, they expect amounts to remain near average levels. A wetter winter seems more likely in the southeast, especially along the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Florida, then up the Atlantic coast to the Carolinas.

“An enhanced southern jet stream and associated moisture often present during strong El Niño events supports high odds for above-average precipitation for the Gulf Coast, lower Mississippi Valley and Southeast states this winter,” said Jon Gottschalck, of the Climate Prediction Center.