According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, much of the United States will experience not only a warmer-than-average winter season, but also drier-than-average conditions.  In large part, the prediction is based on La Nina conditions continuing through the winter.  This occurs when the waters in the eastsern equitorial Pacific are cooler than average.  While, warm temperatures may help curb high energy costs, drought conditions could worsen over the Southeast and Southwest. For more information about the new NOAA winter forecast, head to http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2007/20071009_outlook.html