It's not even winter yet - in fact fall doesn't begin until Sept. 22 - but Accuweather.com reports that unlike last winter, students (and teachers) can expect more snow days this winter.

Despite a rare snowstorm last October, the winter of 2011-2012 was mild and relatively snowless. There were no snow days in Portsmouth last year, but that could change for the 2012-2013 school year. 

While Accuweather does not release its full winter forecast until October, Accuweather meteorologist Meghan Evans writes, "Following a snow drought during winter 2011-2012, the mid-Atlantic and southern New England will get a snow dump this winter."

Accuweather.com staff writer Samantha Kramer reports:

The presence of El Niño or La Niña - and their strength - is used to project how active the winter season is going to be. AccuWeather.com Long-Range meteorologists are projecting a weak to moderate El Niño by late in the summer.

For kids praying to hear school's out for a snow day, the weaker the El Niño, the better. Weak El Niños have brought snow-packed winters to most major Northeast cities in the past, said AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologist Jack Boston.

"Historically, both strong La Niñas and weak El Niños have produced higher-than-average snowfall in the Northeastern U.S.," Boston said. In contrast, "weak La Niñas and strong El Niños historically bring lower-than-average snowfall."

To read more on the potential of a snowy winter click here and here.

How many snow days will be in Portsmouth this school year? Tell us your guess in the comment section below!