The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released its winter weather outlook, indicating that a cold and snowy winter is unlikely for Midland.
According to NOAA, temperatures are expected to be warmer than average this winter, with precipitation levels well below average across much of the southern United States, including Midland County and all of Texas.
"Warmer-than-average temperatures are favored from the southern tier of the U.S. to the eastern Great Lakes, eastern seaboard, New England and northern Alaska," said NOAA. "These probabilities are strongest along the Gulf Coast and for most of Texas." The agency also said that "the greatest likelihood for drier-than-average conditions are in states bordering the Gulf of Mexico, as well as in Texas and southern New Mexico."
The seasonal drought outlook for Midland, which runs from Oct. 17 until Jan. 31, 2025, anticipates drought conditions developing in Midland County and the greater Permian Basin. Extreme drought conditions are expected in the far south, along with much of the Great Plains and portions of the Rocky Mountains. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center will provide an update on Nov. 21.