I don't know about you guys but I think this is going to be a
very extreme winter for the entire northern hemisphere. It can turn out to be a remarkable warm winter for many, or it can turn out to be a brutally cold and snowy winter for many. I think the odds of a normal winter
aren't likely.
Given the fact that we have a record-shattering low sea ice extent right now, I think this can open the door for some crazy temperature departures across much of the northern hemisphere. In studies, it's becoming more clear that lower sea ice contents and extents have been altering the jet stream patterns, causing greater dips and ridges over certain areas. I think there are two situations can happen. If NAO goes negative, it will likely stay negative for the majority of the winter, and bring pro-dominantly cold and snowy weather to the eastern US. If it goes positive, we are likely to see yet another warm winter. I want you guys to see how lower sea ice extents can cause such dramatic winters.
2010 Low Arctic Sea Ice Extent → Led to a cold & snowy winter across eastern US (2010-2011 Winter Season)
2011 Low Arctic Sea Ice Extent → Led to a remarkable warm and snow-less winter is US, remarkable cold and snowy winter in Europe (2011-2012 Winter Season)
2012 Record Low Arctic Sea Ice Extent → Cold & Snowy Winter or Very Warm Winter for US & Europe
Take a look at the 12z GFS, and go out to surface temperatures for Sep 23 - 27th, extremely below average temperatures are expected across the northern US. Some solutions even indicate
snow might be possible for areas in northern Minnesota, northern North Dakota, and northern Michigan around the Sep 23 - 27th time frame. Only a slight glimpse of what this upcoming winter might bring us.