Southwest: The active southern storm track could bring more frequent rain and mixed precipitation. Colder stretches could occasionally turn that moisture into wintry precipitation.
Northern Rockies and Northern Plains: Temperatures are expected to average near normal overall, but that doesn’t mean winter will be mild. Fast-moving systems could bring sudden cold snaps, snow and blustery conditions.
South Central: Winter is expected to be wetter than normal and stormy, especially as systems move through Texas and the Gulf Coast. Occasional pushes of colder air could turn some of that precipitation into sleet, freezing rain or snow.
Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Midwest: The forecast calls for cold and snowy periods mixed with occasional milder breaks. The Almanac said fast-moving clippers could produce snow squalls, gusty winds and bursts of bitter cold. The middle of the country may also see frequent swings between thawing and freezing, which could quickly change road conditions.
Northeast and New England: These regions could see one of the more complicated winter patterns. Coastal communities may see more rain or mixed precipitation, while inland areas could get several rounds of heavy wet snow, particularly in January and February. Small changes in temperature and storm track could determine whether a storm produces rain, sleet, freezing rain or accumulating snow.