La Niña and Its Impact on Winter Weather
As La Niña takes hold over the U.S., national forecasters have released updated predictions for how the phenomenon will affect our weather over the next three months.
Seasonal Outlooks
The Climate Prediction Center, which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), released seasonal outlooks on Thursday for November 2025 through January 2026.
The temperature and precipitation predictions for the holiday season and start of winter look pretty consistent with a typical La Niña winter.
Temperature Predictions
First off, many states – especially those in the South and Southwest – are favored to see warmer-than-average temperatures over the next three months. That doesn’t necessarily mean it will be hot outside – just that it is likely to be warmer than the average temperature this time of year.
The forecast is less clear for most of the northern states along the U.S.-Canada border, shaded in white on the map above. Those states have equal chances of average temperatures, below-average temperatures and above-average temperatures, according to the NOAA.
Precipitation Predictions
However, many of those same states are leaning toward seeing more rain or snow than usual. The Pacific Northwest and Upper Midwest have a 33% to 50% chance of seeing higher-than-average precipitation between November and January.
The opposite is true down south, where forecasters are predicting below-average rain.
Below-average rain could worsen the growing drought in the South and Southwest. Large swaths of the region are already in “severe” or “extreme” drought, and these areas are often highly dependent on winter rain to get their water for the year.
Regional Variations
Hawaii isn’t pictured on the maps above, but the Climate Prediction center also updated the state’s 90-day outlook on Thursday. Above-normal temperatures are favored for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, the Big Island, and especially the northwestern islands. Above-normal precipitation is also expected for the island chain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, La Niña is expected to have a significant impact on winter weather in the U.S. over the next three months. With warmer-than-average temperatures expected in the South and Southwest, and below-average rain predicted in the same regions, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and updates.
FAQs
Q: What is La Niña, and how does it affect winter weather?
A: La Niña is a natural climate pattern that occurs when the surface temperature of the Pacific Ocean cools down. This cooling of the ocean water can lead to changes in the atmospheric circulation, resulting in warmer-than-average temperatures in some regions and cooler-than-average temperatures in others.
Q: Which states are expected to see warmer-than-average temperatures over the next three months?
A: Many states in the South and Southwest are favored to see warmer-than-average temperatures over the next three months, including Texas, Arizona, and California.
Q: Which regions are expected to see below-average rain over the next three months?
A: The South and Southwest are expected to see below-average rain over the next three months, which could worsen the growing drought in these regions.
Q: How will La Niña affect Hawaii’s weather over the next three months?
A: Hawaii is expected to see above-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation over the next three months, according to the Climate Prediction Center.
