Winter Weather Forecast: Here's What AccuWeather Predicts For WA

SEATTLE — With the official start of winter little more than two months away, many in Puget Sound may be growing eager for colder weather to arrive so they can plan some exciting, wintry fun. Here at Patch, some of us were on the hype train by early July.

To help you plan ahead, the private weather company AccuWeather has released its 2021-2022 winter weather forecast, adding to a growing consensus about what lies ahead.

Like earlier predictions from federal climatologists, AccuWeather accounts for La Niña's likely arrival and notes it may be weaker than last year, which could limit some of its snowier effects in the lowlands. However, AccuWeather meteorologists forecast an excellent ski season ahead with a healthy snowpack and above-average snowfall in the mountains.

In one notable departure from other winter predictions to date, AccuWeather's is more bearish on the precipitation front, expecting Western Washington will fall within the normal range between December and February. By contrast, the latest seasonal outlooks from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration place very good odds on Washington seeing a wetter fall and winter.

AccuWeather's long-term forecasts predict Seattle's earliest brush with near-freezing overnight temperatures will arrive just a couple of days after Thanksgiving, with wet weather on tap for the entire holiday week. The forecasts also show a chilly and wet winter solstice, with lows plunging below freezing just a few days before Christmas.

Nationally, AccuWeather predicts an eventful winter similar to the 2020-21 season, which brought record-breaking snowfall and blackouts to some parts of the country.

While the upcoming La Niña is likely to be weaker than the last, other elements factor into the winter forecast — especially during the second half of the season. This year, the polar vortex may also be weaker, according to AccuWeather.

This could result in colder air from the Arctic to slide southward into the U.S. before the official start of meteorological winter, which is on Dec. 1. The first official astronomical day of winter arrives on Tuesday, Dec. 21.

Winter could pound the Northeast with a vengeance starting in mid-December before potentially intensifying in January, which could include a heightened risk for nor'easters and, yes, snowstorms at the tail end of the season.

Meanwhile, the winter weather will take its time arriving in the Southeast, with only mild temps in some place throughout December. Southerners, however, could be in store for a big dip in the temperature with the arrival of 2022, AccuWeather reports. Spells of rain and thunderstorms are expected so keep the rain gear handy.

In the Pacific Northwest, a wet winter is anticipated with plenty of snow in the mountains, AccuWeather reports. The early arrival of the winter storms will also spell an end to the active wildfire season for the region as rain and snow help to douse any flames.

In the Southwest, meteorologists predict that the lack of early-season precipitation will allow the ongoing wildfire season to extend all the way into December, an unusually late end to the season. As we move to January, the prospects for rain will increase for California - good news for areas of the state where wildfires have raged.

To see how the weather is shaping up for the remainder of the country, click here.

Are you ready for the upcoming winter season? Tell us your plans in the comments section below.