Chilly Temps, Snowstorms, and a Longer Winter Ahead
After the record-setting winter of 2024–25, the Farmers’ Almanac is predicting another eventful cold season for 2025–26, dubbing it a “Chill, Snow, Repeat” kind of winter. While not expected to be quite as intense as last year, this winter is shaping up to be long, snowy, and full of surprises.
🧊 Early Start, Late Finish
Cold weather may make an early entrance across many northern regions, potentially bringing wintry conditions even before the official start of winter on December 21. And it might not leave quietly either — lingering through March and possibly into April for areas like New England, the Great Lakes, and the Northern Plains.
🌨️ La Niña Could Shake Things Up
According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a La Niña pattern is on the horizon. That usually spells:
- ❄️ Cold and snowy conditions for the Northwest
- 🌵 Drier-than-usual conditions across the South
- ☀️ Milder temperatures in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic
📍 Regional Breakdown:
Northeast (NY, New England)
- Expect storms in late January
- A sharp cold snap likely between Jan. 8–15
- Good chance for a White Christmas in parts of the region
- Coldest temps of the season forecast for New England
Midwest, Ohio Valley & Michigan
- New Year’s Day: Cold and breezy with snow in northern areas
- Feb. 8–11: Major Great Lakes snowstorm followed by arctic air
- Early March: More snowfall, ending with gusty, wintry weather
Northwest (WA, OR, ID)
- Chilly and wet throughout
- Strong ski season expected thanks to heavy mountain snow
- Rain and mountain snow peak in February and March
North Central States (CO, IA, KS, MO, MN, MT, NE, ND, SD, WY)
- Classic winter setup with frequent snow and deep cold
- February and March snowstorms likely
- Easter weekend could still bring snow to the Dakotas and Minnesota
Southeast (AL, FL, GA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV)
- Milder winter overall but wet
- January: Chance for wintry mix in northern parts
- February: Especially rainy before turning warmer
Texas & South Central (AR, LA, OK, NM, TX)
- Cold and wet pattern expected
- Northern Texas may see snow/freezing rain in January
- More wintry precipitation possible in mid-February and March
California & Southwest (AZ, CA, NV, UT)
- Generally mild with near-average temps
- End of January: Rain and gusty conditions for California
- Storms could help ease wildfire concerns
🧣 The Bottom Line?
Winter 2025–26 is expected to deliver a mix of everything — early cold snaps, extended snowfall, and a season that may stretch well into spring for many. Whether you’re a snow lover or counting the days until spring, this winter could be one to remember.
