PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

What’s the forecast for this winter? The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a slightly warmer than normal winter in this region, with below-normal precipitation. The coldest times will run from mid-January into early February and in late February.

KDKA’s meteorologists agree that snowfall will be well below average this winter, with the region receiving a total of 28 inches compared with the average 44.1 inches.

No matter the forecast, the City of Pittsburgh has started recruiting Snow Angels as volunteers in its annual program to help older residents and/or those with disabilities clear their front steps and sidewalks of snow. And each year, there are far more people in need of help than there are volunteers.

These neighborhoods below are in the most need of volunteers:

Allentown, Banksville, Beechview, Beltzthoover, Brighton Heights, Brookline, Carrick, Elliott, Greenfield, Homewood (North, South, West), Hill District , Perry South, Sheraden and the 31st Ward (which includes Lincoln Place, Hays, Gates Manor and New Homestead)

As an incentive, the Mayor’s office honors the neighborhood with the most volunteers with the Golden Shovel Award. Bloomfield won that accolade last winter.

Sign up here to either receive assistance or to volunteer. Volunteers will be matched with a neighbor in need.

To qualify for help, you must live within the City of Pittsburgh, be 62 or older and/or have a disability and have no other resources for snow removal assistance. Volunteers are asked to shovel and/or salt a recipient’s steps and front sidewalk within 24 hours of the snowfall ending.

Those who are matched with a volunteer will be notified by this program. Registration is on a rolling basis, so a Snow Angel may not be available right away, but maybe later in the season.

If you have questions, you can email SnowAngels@pittsburghpa.gov, or call 311.