2016 - 2017 Long Range Winter Forecast

Every year on Halloween Day I release the Long Ranger Winter Forecast for Rowan County. Now please let me start out by saying as you know from my style of forecasting I am not a big fan of any long range forecast. The reason for that is there is a lot of uncertainty beyond 4 to 5 days out. That's why my forecast is always a 5 day forecast. So please remember that even with my long range winter forecast that there is always a chance for extreme winter weather, so prepare now for what might come later this winter.

With that said. Let's take a look at what my thoughts are on the upcoming winter season.

From a precipitation standpoint I believe that this winter. Drier than normal conditions are most likely across the entire southern U.S. and southern Alaska

From a temperature standpoint. I believe warmer than normal conditions are most likely across the southern U.S., extending northward through the central Rockies, in Hawaii, in western and northern Alaska and in northern New England.

The drought conditions we are seeing here in the state and we have experienced occasionally this year in the county are expected to persist and spread in the southeastern U.S. and develop in the southern Plains.

With all of that said here are my highlights on how I feel this winter will be here in Rowan County.

Temperatures throughout the winter season will range with highs in the mid 50's to low 60's. There will be some occasional periods where we will see temperatures at a more seasonal feel as cold air does make its way far enough south during the season.

From a snowfall perspective I am only looking at around 1 - 3 inches of snowfall to occur all winter long. On average in Rowan County we average 3.5 inches of snow for the winter. If I had to give you a timeframe on our best chance of snow. I would wager that we have the best shot of getting snow from mid January to around the first week of February.

Now as I said at the beginning of this article. I am not a fan of long range forecast because of the amount of uncertainty that occurs after about 5 days. Please remember hat even with my long range winter forecast that there is always a chance for extreme winter weather, so prepare now for what might come later this winter.

So there you have it. That's my take on the upcoming winter here in Rowan County. I certainly hope no matter what this winter brings us that you will continue to monitor Rowan County Weather for all of your forecast information and latest weather updates. As always thank you for following Rowan County Weather!