The winter weather oracles have spoken: Sorry, snow lovers.*

The big picture: Forecasters predict less-than-average snowfall and a mild-ish winter, according to the Capital Weather Gang.

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.

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration could green-light food assistance payouts by Wednesday, after federal courts ordered officials to tap into emergency funds to keep aid flowing, writes Axios' Averty Lotz.

The big picture: Even if the Trump administration complies with orders to ensure SNAP benefits are at least partially paid, it's still unclear when millions of families will receive their aid. And any relief would be a temporary fix under the ongoing government shutdown.

Driving the news: Companies and nonprofits are rolling out new programs to keep food flowing — from free grocery credits to multimillion-dollar donations.

• Instacart is offering 50% off grocery orders (up to $50) for active SNAP users.
• DoorDash is delivering 1 million free meals through food banks and waiving fees on 300,000 grocery orders for SNAP recipients at select stores with code SNAPDD.
• Gopuff is offering two $25 credits for SNAP customers with free 15-minute delivery as of Saturday, with code SNAPRELIEF.

Meanwhile, FreshFarm — the region's largest farmers market network — is stepping up alongside other DMV organizations to help feds fill the SNAP gap.

• The nonprofit is offering $30 in FreshMatch — which doubles purchasing power — at all DMV markets for SNAP recipients and government employees with ID.

More help on the way

❌ Mayor Muriel Bowser instituted a citywide youth curfew over the weekend after a Navy Yard incident on Halloween evening led to several teens being arrested. The curfew applies to anyone under 18 and runs through Wednesday night. (WTOP)

🏈 Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered a "gruesome" injury to his arm last night during the team's game against the Seattle Seahawks, which ended in a 38-14 loss for the DMV team. (AP)

📈 The U.S. Park Police wants to double its numbers within the next six months as part of President Trump's crackdown on District crime. The goal: Make it "the premier law enforcement agency in D.C." (Washington Post)

🗳️ Virginia's General Assembly pushed through a constitutional amendment resolution that would allow the legislature to redraw political lines. They now have to pass it again after the election.

• If that happens, lawmakers say Virginians could vote on the amendment sometime next spring or summer.

🌯 Star Mexican chef Pati Jinich launches her first burrito pop-up today in Bethesda. Go for real-deal borderland burritos at breakfast and lunch — homemade flour tortillas, scratch salsas, beans, the works (though Friday, 7am-3pm).

D.C. wants to host the Rugby World Cup in 2031.

Why it matters: Rugby isn't as mainstream here as American football, but that's not stopping U.S. cities from vying to host its global men's tournament.

Driving the news: World Rugby, the sport's international governing body, is considering 27 markets to host the men's World Cup, down from 40 earlier this year.

• Dozens of other hopeful cities and regions stretch from Baltimore to Vancouver.

What they're saying: Alan Gilpin, World Rugby's chief executive, said the 2031 tournament stands to "cement the U.S.'s status as a major player in global rugby" and "inspire and unite new fans, audiences and commercial partners for the sport."

• World Rugby officials say the application process is part of its plan for growth in the U.S., where it hopes to build audiences in "key rugby hubs."

What's next: World Rugby and USA Rugby (the sport's national governing body) plan to evaluate applicants' venues, feasibility and ability to meet hosting requirements.

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Don't trash your pumpkins — compost or recycle them instead.

Why it matters: Decomposing gourds in landfills release harmful methane, whereas turning them into compost or feed cuts waste.

The big picture: Washingtonians have plenty of eco-friendly ways to chuck pumpkins through November.

🌱 Compost:

• D.C. residents can drop pumpkins at 40+ free compost sites across all wards — from weekend farmers markets to 24/7 Food Waste Smart Bins.
• Virginia and Maryland jurisdictions — including Alexandria and Arlington, plus Montgomery and Prince George's counties — run similar programs.

♻️ Recycle:

• Pumpkins for the People: Accepts both unblemished pumpkins for donation and jack-o'-lanterns for compost at D.C. and Alexandria sites (Nov. 1–25).
• Pumpkins for Pigs: The Leesburg nonprofit partners with farms across Virginia, Maryland and beyond for pumpkin feed and compost.

🔨 Smash: Cox Farms Pumpkin Madness: Watch pumpkins get catapulted and dropped at the Centreville farm (weekends through Nov. 8). Tickets

Tell an eco-friend