Incorrect, back in the day meteorologists focused far more on pattern recognition than the models. Leading into the winter season it was common for on air(TV and radio) mets to mention the weather patterns of the fall leading into the winter months. A key for them was where the main storm track(s) had set up since late summer.
Also we know that certain patterns are more likely to be associated with different types of weather. For example a pattern that features a trough in the west usually isn't all that good for winter weather prospects in the east