The annual U.S. winter outlook report predicts La Niña weather patterns throughout the country. Here's what it means for Ohio's winter.

The NOAA winter forecast does not specify how much precipitation will fall as rain, snow or ice, only that more or less is likely overall. Snow forecasts depend upon the strength and track of winter storms, which generally cannot be predicted more than a week in advance, according to Weather Service meteorologists.

How soon will winter arrive? How cold is it going to be? How much is it going to snow? Will it be warm enough for winter rain? Sleet? Sneet? Freezing rain? The latest from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center focuses on the heart of winter — December,