Note:  Add this to the NOAA and Salomon Smith Barney forecasts.  LB
WSI Sees Mild Winter in Northeast, Cold in West 
In contrast to forecasts by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Salomon Smith Barney of a colder-than-normal winter in key energy consuming regions, WSI Corp.'s end-of-October update to its seasonal forecast for November, December and January predicts warmer-than-normal temperatures in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and in the central and southern Plains. WSI, however, said it expects cooler-than-normal temperatures in the Gulf Coast states, Northern Plains, Great Lakes states, and all areas west of the Rocky Mountains. 
"The expectation of below-normal temperatures in the north-central United States during the November-January period is similar to the Oct.18th [NOAA] outlook," said Todd Crawford, a WSI seasonal forecaster. "The most significant difference in our outlooks is that we expect warmer-than-normal temperatures in the Northeast during the period while CPC is forecasting cooler-than-normal." 
WSI sees the following monthly trends: 
In November, cooler-than-normal temperatures are expected in the western half of the United States, the Northern Plains, and Florida, while warmer-than-normal temperatures are expected across the central and southern Plains and most of the eastern United States. 
In December, cooler-than-normal temperatures are anticipated across much of the country, with the exception of the Southeast, New England, and parts of the Central Rockies. WSI sees numerous Arctic outbreaks to affect the northern Plains states during the month. 
In January, WSI forecasts warmer-than-normal temperatures across the Central and Southern Plains, central Rockies, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic States. Cooler-than-normal temperatures are expected along the Pacific Coast, in the Southwest, Northern Rockies and Northern Plains, and in the Ohio Valley. 
WSI said its three-month seasonal forecasts have been accurate for seven straight periods, and nine out of the last 12. An accurate seasonal forecast is defined as one that is closer to what is actually observed versus a forecast that uses the 30-year average temperature, it said. 
Energy Security Analysis Inc. (ESAI) said the latest WSI forecast for milder temperatures is bearish for gas and power prices. ESAI also said, however, that in the WSCC the outlook for cooler-then-average conditions will translate into higher levels of heating demand. Due to recent poor hydro-generation conditions, power supplies in regions like the Pacific Northwest and northern California could be limited, in which case higher levels of weather-induced demand are likely to bring stronger power prices. 
WSI is a subsidiary of Landmark Communications. More information about WSI can be found at www.wsienergycast.com <http://www.wsienergycast.com>.