BE PREPARED: Winter 2014-15 May Not Be What You Expect

Now, I'm no fortune-teller, but I do follow current events - especially when they relate to weather.

If you're living in the Midwestern or Southern United States, you'll want to be sure you have a two-stage snow blower available and operable come the end of November or early December.

According to The Weather Centre, here are the predictions for 2014-15 winter in the U.S.

For the Pacific Northwest: A warmer than normal winter with around average precipitation is currently favored, due to the state of the Pacific Ocean and choice analog year. Snowfall is projected to be slightly above normal.

For the Southwest: A warmer than normal winter with above average precipitation is currently favored, due to expected high pressure along the West Coast and an enhanced subtropical jet stream. Snowfall is projected to be around average.

For the North Plains: A cooler than normal winter with average precipitation is currently favored, due to the expected Pacific set-up and choice analog years. Snowfall is projected to be around average.

For the South Plains: A cooler than normal winter with slightly below average precipitation is currently favored. Snowfall is projected to be slightly above average.

For the Midwest and Great Lakes: A slightly cooler than normal winter with around average precipitation is currently favored. Low confidence. Snowfall is projected to be below normal. 

For the Ohio Valley: A slightly cooler than normal winter with slightly below average precipitation is currently favored. Snowfall is projected to be slightly below normal.

For the Southeast: A cooler than normal winter with wetter than normal precipitation is currently favored. Higher than normal confidence. Snowfall is projected to be above normal.

For the Mid-Atlantic: A cooler than normal winter with above average precipitation is currently favored. Snowfall is projected to be above normal.

For the Northeast: A cooler than normal winter with above average precipitation is currently favored. Snowfall is projected to be above normal.

 If you don't already have a snow blower, now is the perfect time to buy one as the newest models are out and the prices are great!

If you already do own a snow blower, now's a great time to start it up and cycle some fresh fuel through it, change the oil, and add some fuel stabilizer to make sure you don't have any problems this winter when you need it most.

When to Get a Good Deal on a Snow Blower

The majority of snow blower manufacturers only make a set amount of snow blowers each season. Once they're sold, they don't produce anymore until summertime because they're making lawn mowers.

Large home improvement stores only stock up on as many as they project to sell, and rarely have any left by the time spring rolls around. They do this because they don't want any leftover stock that has to be discounted.

New snow blower models are usually introduced in May or June, but aren't being produced yet. However, you can back order a brand new snow blower before it's released.

By back ordering a new model of snow blower that's just been introduced, you tend to get a nice discounted price. You also get a brand new snow blower, which is arguably much better than settling for a used model that may have problems and that doesn't come with a warranty

Later, as winter is approaching, you'll receive your brand new snow blower at just about the same time as others are starting to shop around. You may be the first person in your neighborhood prepared for that unexpected early-season snowfall.

If you're interested in buying one now that's still in stock, you can find a better selection at Snow Blowers Direct than you can at a big box store.