A weak La Niña is expected to develop ahead of the season and influence temperatures, precipitation, and by extension, even snow across the United States. La Niña is a natural climate pattern that influences global weather marked by cooler than average ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific.

La Niña, the cooler phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), can have significant impacts on global weather, especially during the winter months.

Although there is no guarantee how this La Niña will play out, there are some general trends for how it could impact winter weather.

Winter in the United States may be more varied this year compared to last — with colder and snowier conditions likely in the North and the potential for drier weather than is typical in the South and relative warmth in the Southeast, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s outlook released Thursday morning.

Depending on where you live in the U.S., this winter could bring a mix of snow and rain or unseasonably warm weather, according to climate experts.

It is with great pleasure that we bring you news of NOAA's official winter outlook. To some, the outlook may be unsettling. To others — you know, those who adore being members of the Bold North — the prospects of snow may be exciting.