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Michigan could experience 'warmer than normal' December. Here's why

While it might be a warmer December -- wildcard, significant snowstorms aren't out of the questions, according to the NWS.
Credit: Thinkstock

It could be "slightly warmer than normal" with relatively less snow these holiday months in southeast Michigan, according to the latest seasonal outlook published by the National Weather Service.

"December and potentially part of January will be characterized by progressive pattern, likely anchored for a period of time by an Aleutian low pressure. This would favor more warmth than has been observed during the last 6 weeks," the weather service reported.

Predictions show a "normal or slightly warmer than normal" forecast for December into early January. The NWS said the warmth is not likely to be extreme — but the patterns predicted are likely to weaken an already weak polar vortex.

Additionally, these warmer episodes in December mean "relatively low snow potential," but wildcard, significant snowstorms aren't out of the question, according to the NWS.

However, the NWS report also details the Climate Prediction Center's expectation for a weak incoming el Niño and includes models that show "tropical forcing" forming near the International Dateline toward the end of December.

These factors indicate "the eventual development of a cold pattern during mid-winter is more likely than normal."

Meaning, January going into February may be colder than normal, and snowfall for those months may also be slightly above normal.

Contact Aleanna Siacon at ASiacon@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter: @Aleanna Siacon.

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