Discover NOAA’s New Winter Forecast for the U.S. with Detailed Maps What You Need to Know
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has unveiled its winter weather forecast for the United States, covering December 2025 through February 2026. This latest outlook brings key insights into what Americans can expect this winter.
Discover NOAA’s Winter Forecast for the U.S.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center highlights significant weather variations across the country. Much of the contiguous United States is anticipated to see warmer-than-average temperatures. Notably, the southern states are likely to experience both warmer and drier conditions than usual.
Effects of La Niña on U.S. Weather
The outlook corresponds with a recent shift into La Niña, the cooler phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. This transition, confirmed earlier this month, results from declining sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific.
- La Niña generally leads to drought in the southern U.S.
- It brings increased rainfall to the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
- Southern regions often experience warmer, drier winters.
- Northern states can expect cooler, wetter conditions.
Precipitation Outlook
Expectations for higher precipitation align with the Pacific Northwest and northern California’s winter patterns. The prediction also includes the northern Rockies, Great Plains, and western Great Lakes.
Conversely, the Southwest, southern Texas, and the Southeast are projected to have drier than normal conditions.
Alaska and Other Regions
In Alaska, temperatures are forecasted to be warmer in the northwest, while the panhandle may be cooler. The state can also expect more precipitation in the west and less in the panhandle.
A separate forecast is planned for the Hawaiian islands, emphasizing regional specificity in NOAA’s approach.
