There is mounting evidence for a cold December like Dec, 2000 and possibly a weaker SPV, at least to start December. I think we need to watch what the sun does, it’s been very active so far this year and what effects the strong -IOD has on MJO waves/tropical convective forcing. A La Niña (possible Modoki?), -PDO and +QBO are the givens at this point. Personally, I can care less what arctic sea ice and Siberian snowcover does, but that’s just my opinion….