Texas predicted to have warm winter with below normal precipitation in 2019

Texas is going to see warmer than average temperatures this coming winter, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center.

Mike Halpert, deputy director at the center, gave the 2019 Winter Outlook Advisory on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019 explaining how winter is going to look in the U.S.

"Although below-average temperatures are not favored, cold weather is anticipated and some areas could still experience a colder than average winter," Halpert explained. "Wetter than average weather is most likely across the Northern Tier of the U.S. during winter, which extends from December through February."

No part of the U.S. is favored to have below-average temperatures this winter. 

As far as Texas, Jon Gottschalck Chief of Operation at the center says they are favoring above normal temperatures.

"That doesn't mean the temperatures will be as high as y'all have been experiencing this month or during the summer," Gottschalck said. 

For Texas, the average high temperature during the winter months will be 52 degrees, while the low temperature could drop to 23 degrees.

The prediction center also expects below normal precipitation. 

"We do see a tilt in the odds for below normal precipitation," Gottschalck said. "This does not mean you won't see periods of heavy precipitation it's just overall totals."

This winter forecast does not specify how much precipitation will fall as rain, snow or ice, only that more or less is likely overall. Snow forecasts depend upon the strength and track of winter storms, which generally cannot be predicted more than a week in advance, the center said.

To see more data about precipitation and temperatures for the season, check the NOAA data snapshots.