Here's what I see as a problem right now
1. Crazy fast Pac Jet-no precip as short waves just race across the country and don't amplify.
2. Record SST's off the east coast-going to need a storm to take a perfect track this time of year. (Later in the year this could work to our advantage)
3. MJO showing signs of stalling in Ph 6. (4-5-6 generally suck here)
There's a stat out there too-if we get no snow or minimal snow in December, the winter will generally suck. Last year we had the foot in the middle of the month which led to a well above normal snowfall for the season....
it's early-snow is generally rare around here before xmas. I'll jump the ledge in Mid Jan-if it doesn't come by then, it's usually not coming...years like 06-07 are outliers in that regard where the cold really did come 2nd half
2013-14 2014-15 type patterns. Strong -EPO to deliver the cold. Atlantic blocking is good too-but if it's pacific origin air you're just trapping a crappy airmass and that's what I see with this at least for a couple of weeks