US winter is likely to be wetter and warmer, forecasters say. If you want more snow, look south

Winter in the United States is expected to be wetter and warmer, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's seasonal outlook. El Niño is primarily responsible for this change, bringing more moisture but potentially higher temperatures. While this should alleviate the ongoing western drought, it may not be pleasant news for snow enthusiasts in the northern regions.

The federal agency doesn't predict snowfall specifically, but meteorologists predict much of the northern United States, including the Northeast, Great Lakes, Upper Midwest, and Northern Rockies, will see below-normal snowfall. Conversely, the Southern Rockies, parts of the Southeast, and Southwest could see more snow than usual.

Private meteorology companies agree with this prediction, except for Salt Lake City, the only major metro area where AccuWeather forecasts above-normal winter snow. While the milder winter may reduce the risk of polar vortex occurrences, it doesn't guarantee the absence of snowstorms altogether, according to National Weather Service meteorologist and branch chief Jon Gottschalck.