The big problem is the fact even though we get that nice ridge over Ak it gets undercut and we see energy spill down the eastern side of the ridge itself into the PNW and we start to see big systems in that area.There is no good way to tap arctic air with a west to northwest flow across the CONUS thus you get these close call airmasses across the northern parts of the south and near normal to the south. If we were to have a nice western ridge coupled with that Alaskan ridge we would be looking at significantly colder period upcoming but one that might be somewhat inactive since the pacific wave train would be blocked from entering the US. Overall though I see no good reason to punt winter yet....
