WSI Calls for Continuation of Cold Winter Across Much of US, Especially February/March in Northeast WSI and ESAI say total energy usage during the period should be slightly more than last winter, reducing gas inventories Andover, MA (PRWEB) December 22, 2009 WSI expects the upcoming period (January-March) to average cooler than normal in the entire US, with the exception of areas north and west of a line from Portland, Oregon to Minneapolis. The WSI seasonal outlooks reference a standard 30-year normal (1971-2000). "The combination of the current El Nino event, cold north Pacific, and weakened stratospheric vortex are favorable for a continuation of widespread below-normal temperatures across the US for the upcoming season" said WSI seasonal forecaster Dr. Todd Crawford. "There may be a relaxation of the current cold pattern in the Northeast during January, followed by a return to more consistent cold in February and March. We are forecasting 2475 gas-weighted heating degree days during the January-March period, approximately 2.5% more than last year and about 2% more than the 1971-2000 mean." In January, WSI predicts regional temperature anomalies as follows:
According to Paul Flemming of ESAI, "The WSI January forecast shows cooler-than-normal temperatures across most of the country with warmer-than-normal temperatures across the northern tier. Lower gas demand across the warmer northern regions will certainly moderate the demand effects of cooler temperatures in much of the rest of the country. Warmer-than-normal temperatures in the Northeast will marginally lower electrical loads and associated gas demand for heating. Delivered gas prices in the constrained areas of the Northeast markets should see less volatility with warmer temperature expectations." In February, WSI sees the monthly breakdown as:
"For February, WSI is forecasting colder-than-normal temperatures on a nationwide basis. Natural gas demand is likely to be very strong with high residential and commercial heating demand as well as increased demand from the power sector. Natural gas inventories are likely to see significant draws in February under this cold weather outlook. Residual fuel oil prices continue to be high relative to gas, although under severe cold conditions delivered gas prices could spike above fuel oil prices in some areas, particularly in the Northeast," said Paul Flemming. "In the West, much-colder-than-normal temperatures will increase the bullish outlook for gas in February." In March, WSI forecasts:
"In March, WSI is forecasting significantly colder-than-normal temperatures across the Northeast but generally warmer temperatures west of the Mississippi. Overall, gas demand will be balanced by strong demand in the Northeast and moderate demand in the west. Colder weather in March will be bullish for power prices in the Northeast especially in areas that start spring generator maintenance early in the season," according to Paul Flemming. "Warmer-than-normal temperatures in the Western regions should moderate both gas and power prices." WSI, which provides customized weather information to energy traders, will issue its next seasonal outlook (for the February-May period) on January 26. About WSI
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