A La Niña winter is still expected for the U.S., according to the latest forecast from the Climate Prediction Center. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that La Niña will develop between now and December, continuing into early 2025.
Typically, La Niña brings wet, cool weather to the Pacific Northwest and Ohio Valley during winter, while the southern U.S. experiences warmer and drier conditions. Unlike El Niño, which often suppresses snowfall, La Niña tends to bring more snow to certain regions.
NOAA meteorologist Tom Di Liberto found that La Niña winters often lead to heavier snowfall in the Pacific Northwest, northern Rocky Mountains, Great Lakes, and parts of New England. However, the mountainous West and Appalachia usually see less snow, with warmer temperatures leading to rain instead.
Di Liberto also noted that weak La Niña events, like the one expected this year, tend to result in even more snow in the north-central U.S., including the Dakotas and Minnesota. However, the Pacific Northwest may see below-average snowfall during this weaker phase.
For areas like Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C., Di Liberto warned that every weak La Niña winter has resulted in below-average snow. While models suggest a weak La Niña this year, it’s important to remember that trends aren’t guarantees, and other factors, such as climate change, can influence snowfall patterns.
