State of snow: D.C.'s winter outlook looks mild — but could get wild

State of snow: Predictions are mostly in the 8- to 11-inch range.

• Meteorologists say the ​La Niña climate pattern is to blame, which usually creates milder and drier conditions.

*Yes, but: There is still hope!

• The outlier prediction calls for above-normal snowfall: nearly 19 inches.
• Paul Dorian, who works at Arcfield Weather, believes the La Niña will taper out. He also predicts colder-than-normal temperatures.
• And he's not just any outlier. Dorian was the only meteorologist to correctly predict above-average snow last time.

By the numbers: Last season was the snowiest in six years.

• National Airport measured 14.9 inches of snowfall overall, per Capital Weather Gang.

Between the lines: Even if we're not looking at a white winter, D.C.'s wonderlands are rolling out faster than Blitzen on Christmas Eve.

• The first-ever Winter Wonderfest is headed to Nationals Park (tickets available now, Nov. 28 opening).
• Weeks-long holiday markets are ready to go live Downtown (Nov. 21), in Dupont Circle (Nov. 14) and beyond.

What's next: The weather pros at Capital Weather Gang will issue their own detailed winter outlook soon.