Cold weather in the Pacific Ocean could lead to another brutal winter.
The National Weather Service in La Crosse has received 15.9 inches of snow already this year. That is the 10th most on record through December 9 and the most since over 16-inches fell by this date in 1996. Typically, the NWS records around 6.5 inches of snow by December 9th.
Jaff Boyne with the NWS says this winter seems to be starting a lot like last winter, which resulted in record snowfalls across the state thanks to cold water in the Pacific known as "La Nina." He says this winter we're experiencing "La Nada," which presents a similar situation as last winter.
"La Nina" winters are typically colder than normal and, depending on the strength and track of the system, they can be snowier.
Still, Boyne says this early winter could be worst. Back in 1991, 37 inches had fallen by December 9th.
AUDIO: Paul Knoff reports (MP3 1:00)
