RAPID CITY - While most of the United States will be facing warmer than normal temperatures this winter, Black Hills residents should see temperatures that are average to colder than normal, according to an Accuweather meteorologist.

Josh Nagelberg, a meteorologist with Accuweather.com, said this year will feel more like winter for Black Hills residents than last year.

"We're expecting temperatures to be a little on the cooler side, and we expect snowfall to be a little higher," he said.

Accuweather is predicting one of the warmest winters ever for the southeastern region of the United States and a fairly warm "heart of winter" for most of the rest of the U.S. But Nagelberg said Black Hills residents won't see a highly above average winter.

On average, temperatures will range from slightly above or below the average 25-27 degree range usually seen from December to February, Nagelberg said.

He expects Rapid City to receive between about 25 and 35 inches of snowfall this winter - right near the city's overall average of 30 to 40 inches - and that the Black Hills will receive between 50 and 100 inches of snow, which is near the Black Hills average of 60 to 100 inches.

Nagelberg said snow storms likely won't leave large amounts of snow cover for a long time because of varying temperatures. He expects periods of two to three days of cold weather followed by "quicker warm-ups."

"If we do get a big storm, we could be looking at snow cover for a while, but there's a pretty good chance the snow could be melted away in a week or two," he said.

Meanwhile, The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts a very warm winter for the United States, although it doesn't specify temperatures throughout the U.S.

John Pierce, publisher of The Old Farmer's Almanac, predicts that this winter will be "very warm, overall. … The past nine years have been among the 25 warmest years and, based on our study of solar activity and cycles, we expect the warming trend to continue."

As for the short-term forecast, area residents can expect the warm weather from Wednesday to carry over into today. National Weather Service meteorologist Matt Bunkers said temperatures in the Hills and in Rapid City will reach the 70s again today.

But the weather will cool off quickly, with temperatures in the 40s in those areas on Friday and Saturday.

Bunkers said there is also a chance of snow on Friday and Friday night.

Snow is exactly what the area ski resorts Deer Mountain and Terry Peak are looking for as they prepare for the upcoming ski season. The

resorts are still offering discounted ski passes until the end of the month.

Both mountains are prepared to make snow soon if weather conditions are favorable.

Terry Peak will begin making snow Monday if possible, according to marketing director Linda Derosier. She said she hopes to see some early snow to encourage people for the season.

"Of course, Terry Peak is hoping for a good snow year. We think we're due. We're hoping that it comes through for us," she said. "It'd be nice to have a little snow before the end of our season-pass sale to get people excited about the upcoming season."

Pete Torino of Deer Mountain said sales on season passes have been going well so far.

"We've sold more season passes this year to date than we've ever sold," he said. "So evidently, there's some optimism out there this year."

He said the mountain is ready to make snow as soon as temperatures cooperate.

Both mountains are hoping to open by the day after Thanksgiving.

Skiers and snowboarders looking to get rid of or acquire equipment before that season will have the chance to do so at a couple of upcoming events.

Edge Sports in Rapid City is hosting a "Shred Swap" Oct. 25-28, in which skiers and snowboarders can buy and sell equipment. Items brought in by customers will be sold on consignment, and customers can either get 100 percent of the money for the sale in the form of store credit or 80 percent of the money for the sale.

A similar event will be held Saturday, Nov. 3 at Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. The Black Hills Regional Ski for Light will be holding its annual fundraising "Ski-Swap" from noon. to 3 p.m. for various ski equipment and accessories.

Items can be brought in for consignment Friday, Nov. 2, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Contact Ryan Woodard at 394-8412 or ryan.woodard@rapidcityjournal.com