Of particular note for Florida citrus growers, reports indicate that while very mild air is expected to hang on in the Southeast region throughout December, 2017 will bring with it a pattern change and sudden burst of cold air.
“I am afraid that we have a shot at seeing a damaging freeze in Central Florida in mid- to late January this year,” said Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather Long-Range Forecaster.
A freeze event could spell disaster for the Sunshine State’s citrus growers, who already are coping with severe insect and disease pressure.
A video posted by AccuWeather (@accuweather) on Sep 28, 2016 at 2:07pm PDT
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Other highlights from the forecast include:
- Frequent storms across the northeastern U.S. this winter may lead to an above-normal season for snowfall.
- Shots of brutally cold air are predicted to slice through the upper Midwest; an early start to lake-effect snow season is in store.
- Fall-like weather will linger across the southern Plains and Gulf Coast, and dryness will become a major theme as the season progresses.
- Winter will get off to a quick start in the Pacific Northwest and northern California with rain and storms.
- Warm and dry conditions will span much of the season for central and Southern California and the Southwest.