With apologies to my friends in the weather office, I put very little stock in long range winter forecasts. Weather patterns change every few weeks. You might be able to spot a trend or two. Accuracy? It's just not happening. I don't blame the meteorologists. That's just the nature of the beast. Seven days is about as far as it goes, and those last couple days are just a rough guide.
I noted earlier how the squirrels seemed more active this fall, how their fur was thick and it turned whiter earlier than normal. That would seem to indicate a harsh winter is ahead. The squirrels. They know.
On the other hand, there's a big indicator this winter will be milder than normal. I bought a new pair of boots a couple weeks ago. The boots are in a box, in a closet. They weren't cheap. People who spend time outside in the winter know the value of a good pair of boots. With my luck, my investment will remain in the box, and it won't pay off this winter.
I'm okay with that.