Weak La Niña to Bring Milder U.S. Winter

The U.S. is gearing up for a La Niña winter, expected to form between now and December and persist through early 2025, according to the NOAA's Climate Prediction Center. La Niña typically brings wet and cool weather to the Pacific Northwest and Ohio Valley while making the southern U.S. warmer and drier. This year's La Niña is expected to be weak, leading to a milder winter with below-average snowfall in regions such as the D.C. area, which is forecasted to receive only five to ten inches of snow. In contrast, regions like the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains may experience above-average snowfall. The phenomenon results from cooler than normal waters in the eastern Pacific, affecting jet stream patterns and bringing varied precipitation and temperature impacts across the U.S. Despite expectations for a wet and cold winter in New England due to La Niña, drought conditions have worsened, fueling numerous wildfires.