Two Very Different SouthCoast Winter Weather Predictions

Right about now, with the "dog days" of August firmly in place and another scorching heat wave searing the already sun-bleached, drought-tortured SouthCoast, a good old-fashioned New England blizzard might sound appealing, no?

Bite your tongue!

Be careful what you wish for, because at least one weather prognosticator – and we're not talking about Punxatawny Phil – says you might get your wish.

Courtesy of Capion Studio of Dartmouth, MA.

Indeed, no snow is forecast for the foreseeable future, but after August comes the "brrr months" as in September, October, November and December. You know what follows that: January, February, and March – or, as we say around these parts, snow season.

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It's right about now, when the heat and humidity aren't as much fun as in June or July, that many folks start wondering what the coming winter season might have in store for us.

Well, keep wondering, because Fox Weather reports two key forecast sources seem to be at odds about their predictions for the winter of 2022-23.

Farmer's Almanac

The Farmer's Almanac, predicting weather since 1818, warns it could be a doozy of a winter here in the Northeast, using words such as "significant shivers, slushy, icy, and snowy" before a warm-up in late February.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is less pessimistic, calling for above-average temperatures between December and February with an equal chance of above or below-average precipitation.

Getty Images

Both predictions sound appealing to me for different reasons. I wouldn't mind an old-fashioned snowy holiday season, but after that, above-average temperatures for the rest of winter would suit me.

Whatever weather is in store, there isn't much we can do but deal with it when it happens.

So, crank the AC, pour a cold drink, and sit back and enjoy the ride. Next stop, autumn.

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