WSI News Release - Andover, MA - 11.24.09
WSI and ESAI Say Total Energy Usage Should Be Similar to Last Winter, Reducing Gas Inventories
SUMMARY: WSI expects the upcoming period (December-February) to average cooler than normal in the eastern and south-central US, with above-normal temperatures common across the western and north-central US. The WSI seasonal outlooks reference a standard 30-year normal (1971-2000).
"The combination of the current El Nino event, abundant Eurasian snow cover, and a favorable pattern of ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean suggest that this winter will be a cold one in the eastern US, especially after the New Year" said WSI seasonal forecaster Dr. Todd Crawford. "There are even indications that a significant pattern change will occur in late November and that December may be colder than we are currently forecasting. Based upon our forecast and our population-weighting algorithms, we expect total gas and electricity demand to be of similar magnitude to last year’s cold winter."