In a seasonal outlook released late last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicated it expects a mild winter for much of the U.S. Areas of the Southeast, Tennesee Valley, and Mid-Atlantic, while warmer-than-normal conditions are expected across much of the northern and western U.S. No part of the U.S. is forecast to experience below-average temperatures. In terms of precipitation, wetter-than-average conditions are favored across the southern tier of the U.S. and into the Mid-Atlantic. Meanwhile, drier-than-average conditions are expected in parts of the northern Rockies and Northern Plains, as well as in the Great Lakes and northern Ohio Valley. The forecast also discusses predictions for drought, noting that drought conditions are expected to persist across portions of the Southwest, Southern California, the central Great Basin, central Rockies, Northern Plains, and portions of the interior Pacific Northwest. Drought conditions are expected to improve in areas throughout Arizona and New Mexico, southern sections of Utah and Colorado, the coastal Pacific Northwest, and the Central Plains. NOAA produces seasonal outlooks to help communities prepare for what is likely to come in the next few months and minimize weather's impacts on lives and livelihoods. NOAA.