Every year we get new predictions about the future weather. Farmer’s Almanacs are famous and for some reliable predictors of the weather to come. Other folks look at Wooly Bear caterpillars to predict the weather.
Most weather patterns happen in decade long cycles. One predictor is measuring and recording the temperatures of ocean waters.
Currently, the Pacific Ocean is cooler than normal. Because of this, there is a 53% chance of a La Nina weather event happening this year.
For Montanans this means a cooler and wetter Winter with more mild temperatures. More moisture does not necessarily mean more snow. Some areas traditionally get plenty of snow, but most areas may not.
Central and eastern Montana is predicted to be cooler and drier. Western and SW Montana will be milder and cooler.
Hopefully this may mean some ice earlier than last year. Icemen will appreciate that. Hunting season could also last longer with better hunting conditions. Later snow would keep big game in the mountains and on public land for longer.
The La Nina event would materialize and impact Montana from September to November. It could linger through the Winter. This natural climate pattern will influence our global atmospheric conditions.
We should see more precipitation but less snow.
Mild and wet, you bet!
Montana Grant
