National Weather Service Predicts a Winter Filled With Huge Snowstorms for Maine

There is little question that this summer in New England has been a hot one. July was one of the hottest months in the history of several states, and August may follow this past July right into the record books.

But when it comes to people in certain New England states like Maine, they're always wondering what is next. Sure, you've got the entire fall season to live through. But when summer is over, you've got to immediately start thinking about winter. How bad is it going to be?

NOAA Promises a Winter Filled With Big Snowstorms

As they do a few times per year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released a three-month forecast for the United States. Alongside that map, they also released a second forecast called the "long-lead", which predicts the weather patterns even further into the future.

That long-lead gives a glimpse into what the winter will look like in Maine and throughout New England. And the forecast suggests that everywhere in New England will see huge snowstorms throughout the winter season.

Winter in Maine Will Be a Mixed Bag Thanks to La Niña

A deeper dive into the long-lead forecast shows that the National Weather Service believes the La Niña weather phenomenon will be the dominant one in the northeast this winter. But that comes as a mixed bag.

On one hand, La Niña brings lots of precipitation. In the winter, that will likely mean plenty of snow. On the other hand, La Niña can also follow precipitation events with warmer temperatures. That could mean a huge snowstorm followed by days of melting.

The Dangers of a Warm and Wet Winter

Maine doesn't need to be reminded of just how dangerous a warm and wet winter could be. The state endured widespread power outages and problematic flooding in January thanks to a powerful nor'easter.

A entire winter filled with that danger is not something anyone in the Pine Tree State would be excited about. Things will become clearer as winter approaches, but as summer winds down, it may be time for many Mainers to invest in a snowblower and generator before it's too late.