It’s early, but weather forecasters are beginning to raise the possibility that in a worst case scenario, the next few weeks could see something resembling the winter assault that pummeled the Northwest last December.

According to forecaster Rufus LaLone of The Weather Café, the time period to keep an eye on would be the middle of next week, roughly Dec. 9-10. Depending on how weather patterns continue to develop, moisture could mix with Arctic cold air, resulting in snow all throughout Oregon and Washington.

Phil Volcker of ERF Company Inc. (Extended Range Forecasting) feels that there is the chance of snow or freezing rain in the middle of next week, although he feels it would be more transitional in nature. However, he warns that even without snow next week, the season’s first blast of very cold air is coming in this weekend and early next week, and nursery folks need to prepare accordingly.

It may not be time to panic just yet, but it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the forecasts and be prepared to adjust if the weather changes.