One week into November the National Weather Service has a better idea on how the La Nina churning out in the Pacific will impact Arizona's weather this winter.
Meteorologist Jessica Nolte said, in the past, a La Nina generally brings drier and warmer weather to the southwest.
"On one hand, it will dry things out," she said. "On the other hand, if we see less than normal rain fall, we may not see as many of those fuels start to grow, so they're not available to burn."
The drier southwest forecast has already forced Flagstaff's Snowbowl Ski Resort to delay its opening date until Nov. 17, while crews prepare the mountain.
Forecasters say skiers wanting to find the best snow in the early season will see the heaviest snow fall in the northern Rockies.
