The 2020-2021 winter season brought unprecedented snow and ice that the Willamette Valley had not seen since early 2017. From power outages to restaurant closures to travel advisories – we saw it all last year. That being said, what can Oregonians expect for the 2021-2022 season? Will we have another frosty February? What about a white Christmas? Or, will winter this year feel more like spring?
Here is what we know so far about this winter’s weather predictions.
La Niña is Here (and may stick around)
The past few weeks, meteorologists have reported evidence of La Niña weather conditions – meaning cooler temperatures – in Oregon. This past weekend, 28,000 Oregonians were left without power after a “bomb cyclone” – a storm formed when air rises rapidly and creates a drop in barometric pressure – plowed through the Pacific Northwest. High winds, precipitation, and even snow in some areas provided an ugly sneak-peek into what this winter could hold.
Rebecca Muessle of the National Weather Service in Portland told the Oregonian she believes these cool, wet conditions will likely remain through the winter.
Your Christmas Wish Just Might Come True
According to Pete Parsons of the Oregon Department of Forestry, there is a chance this winter could be Oregon’s coldest in over 40 years. The brutal winter of 1978-1979 included a deadly ice storm that froze Portland for several days and killed five people. While it is uncertain whether ice is in Oregon’s near future, Parsons predicts possible early snow this winter at lower elevations.
“He [Parsons] expects November temperatures will be normal and that December will bring near to below normal temperatures and near to above average rain and snow,” reads the Oregonian article. “There could [also] be elevated chances for cold snaps and low-elevation snow.”
(Some) Drought Relief Could be Coming
Oregon has undoubtedly been experiencing a drought for many months now. In fact, as of Thursday, October 21, 96.6% of Oregon is in a “severe drought,” and 100% of the state is “abnormally dry.” These are sobering statistics considering the Pacific Northwest is known for its continuous rain and lush plant life. However, according to the latest Seasonal Climate Forecast from Oregon.gov, respite could be on its way this winter.
“Above-average precipitation and mountain snowfall should bring some relief from the severe-to-exceptional drought conditions covering most of Oregon,” the forecast reads. “The chance of significant valley snowfall is elevated.”
By: Rebekah Harcrow
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