(KTEN) – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released an updated outlook to this winter’s temperature and precipitation likelihood on November 16. This is the last update before meteorological winter begins on December 1.

Meteorologists with the Climate Prediction Center (CPC), a division of NOAA, predict that temperatures will remain near-average from December 2023 to February 2024 in Texoma and especially in the Texas Panhandle. This forecast lines up with a reemergence of El Niño conditions for the first time in four years.

Temperature outlook for winter 2023
Temperature outlook for winter 2023 KTEN

 

A wetter season is also possible with a subtropical jet that could form over the southern United States, increasing the possibilities of precipitation-producing systems moving into Texoma. The southeast United States has a high likelihood of above average precipitation this winter.

Precipitation outlook for winter 2023
Precipitation outlook for winter 2023 KTEN

 

A fuse of colder air and more moisture is needed for systems that can produce frozen precipitation. With near-average temperatures and above average precipitation possible this winter, the realm of possibility for wintry systems could increase. Stay weather aware as colder weather starts to settle in!