If you hate the snow, you'll love this new winter outlook.

According to WQAD, NOAA's official long-term forecast is predicting most of the country will have above average temps this winter.

An El Nino is likely, meaning the Pacific Ocean waters off of western South America will be warm, which leads to the cold staying up in Canada. Previous El Nino winters (for instance, 2015-2016) were dry and mild, with only a couple of days below zero and not much snow.

NOAA
NOAA
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NOAA's forecast shows most of the west and midwest will experience warmer than average temps, including the Quad Cities (sorry, southern Illinois!). The potential also exists for drier than average conditions.

Although a warm winter isn't guaranteed, it's looking more and more likely. I know I wouldn't complain about spending Christmas in sandals.

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