Pittsburgh’s 2025 Winter Forecast: Expect Snowy and Cold Conditions
As November unfolds, Pittsburgh prepares for the 2025 Winter Forecast, indicating a snowy and cold season ahead. The KDKA First Alert Weather team meticulously analyzed weather patterns to project snowfall, temperatures, and the possibility of a white Christmas.
Review of Last Year’s Winter Performance
The previous winter forecast anticipated more snowfall than the prior year but fell short of the seasonal average. Pittsburgh recorded 34 inches of snow, nearly double the previous winter’s total, yet 10 inches less than the expected average of 41.9 inches. Notably, January saw a significant swing in snowfall, with a total of 15 inches rather than the projected 10 inches.
Expectations for This Winter
This winter’s forecast hinges on key oceanic patterns, specifically a weak La Niña event. This climatic phenomenon involves slightly cooler waters in the equatorial Pacific transitioning to neutral conditions. Consequently, the winter is expected to feature a mix of temperature swings and above-normal precipitation.
Temperature Trends
- Temperature Forecast: Ranging from near average to about 2 degrees below average.
- Anticipated Winter: Likely to be the second coldest season in five years, only slightly warmer than last winter.
Snowfall Predictions
The snow season will kick off with November potentially seeing 2 inches of snow. Here’s a breakdown of the snowfall prediction for key months:
| Month | Expected Snowfall |
|---|---|
| November | 2 inches |
| December | 4 inches |
| January | 14 inches |
| February | 11 inches |
| March | 5 inches |
| April | 1 inch |
This leads to an expected total snowfall of approximately 37 inches for the season, slightly more than last year but still not reaching the average.
Pittsburgh’s White Christmas Outlook
The quest for a white Christmas remains uncertain. Statistically, there is only a 30% chance of at least one inch of snow by December 25. Historically, a true white Christmas, defined as snowfall on the day itself, holds a mere 17% chance of occurring. The most recent occurrence of such a holiday was in 2022, while 2020 recorded a notable 5.1 inches, breaking a long-standing record.
As winter approaches, local residents should brace for cold temperatures and prepare for the chance of significant snowfall. Whether for holiday festivities or winter activities, Pittsburgh’s winter of 2025 promises to leave its mark.
