As winter approaches and the first snowfall in the Pittsburgh area is soon to be here, the snowfall and winter predictions have officially arrived.

There are many different websites such as AccuWeather, NOAA, The Farmer’s Almanac and local sites that predict the winter outlook. Reading or hearing all of these can be tricky so let’s pile all of these predictions together for one big outlook for the Pittsburgh region.

The overall consensus from all of these predictions is that the Pittsburgh region is expected to get a colder winter with near average snowfall totals. The average snowfall total for Pittsburgh according to AccuWeather is 44.1 inches.

Last year Pittsburgh had 34 inches of snow and expect a season with snowfall totals similar to average around 40 inches. If you plan to travel to Erie, plan for more snow than normal this season.

This winter, a La Niña is expected to impact the United States, which typically indicates temperature and snowfall for most of the country. According to NOAA, a La Niña is defined simply as “a cold event”.

This leads to colder temperatures in the north and warmer temperatures in the south. However, this year the La Niña is expected to be weaker than normal which could lead to quick changes in temperature and precipitation later in the winter around February and March.

For the winter temperature, expect a cold winter with quick, bone-chilling temperature blasts throughout the season. The eastern side of Pennsylvania near Philadelphia will be expecting warmer temperatures than normal throughout the season.

Elsewhere in the United States the highest winter impacts are expected to be in cities known for high snowfall such as Erie, Buffalo, and Denver.

Blizzards are not typical in Pennsylvania, but it is always great to be prepared. According to NOAA, 76 people die each year in the U.S. due to either cold temperatures or the snowstorm itself.

Always keep an eye on the weather and be sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings. Have emergency supplies ready at your house and your vehicle ready. After the storm make sure to check on friends, family, and neighbors who may have been impacted and keep in contact with them.

This winter season has many factors that will truly show the full extent of the winter’s impacts on western Pennsylvania. The main factor being the La Niña, and if it will truly develop. As meteorologists keep their eye on the waters in the Pacific Ocean this winter, just know that winter is unpredictable, and to always prepare for the worst.