By Kyler Johnson/GG Editor-in-Chief

Sept. 1 marked the start of Meteorological Fall, so winter weather is already on the mind of many meteorologists and weather enthusiasts.

There were multiple rounds of icy weather in November last year, especially in southeastern Nebraska. In early February, a winter storm immensely impacted a huge portion of the state. Some places, like Grand Island, picked up over a foot of snow other places like Norfolk experienced blizzard conditions for the first time in years.

The Winters of 2015 and 2016 weren’t the worst winters Nebraska have ever had, especially because the cold did not stick around as long. Warm weather came quickly this spring with many days in March and April above average.

The country was under an El Niño pattern, which led to some above average temperatures and overall below average snowfall.

This winter, it looks like a moderate to weak La Niña pattern will be in play which will have a lead role on what winter will be like. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the Preliminary Winter Forecast for 2016 and 2017.

Most of the country will be looking at much colder temperatures this winter compared to last year. States like Minnesota, Michigan, New York and Maine will experience a very cold, if not, brutally cold winter with an ample amount of snow.

Nebraska will be looking at colder conditions with around average snowfall.

The southern parts of the United States will see warmer conditions; however, the southeast might be a little bit wetter than the southwest. The areas of the United States not under any zone could experience both periods of the cold and warm conditions.

This will be a winter to make sure your heater is working, especially towards January and February.