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Updated NOAA Guidance Affirms Cold Winter for Northern U.S.

Christy Bowen

3 hours ago
Snow blankets the rugged peaks of the Pacific Northwest, signaling the kind of cold, stormy season NOAA predicts for much of the northern U.S. this winter. (Photo by U.S. Forest Service / Public Domain)

A new outlook by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued on Thursday details how a La Niña-driven winter season will be guided by frequent polar vortex intrusions. Here is a closer look at this report and what it may mean for the months ahead.

New NOAA Winter Outlook Affirms Influence of La Niña

NOAA’s Winter Temperature Outlook highlights warmer-than-average conditions across the southern U.S., including Florida, as La Niña steers cool air north. (NOAA)

The latest winter outlook from the experts of NOAA warns of an unusually cold winter season for much of the northern U.S. Meanwhile, the southern edge of the nation will enjoy milder temperatures, according to the predictions from NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) arm.

The NOAA outlook signals that the recent emergence of a La Niña climate pattern will significantly influence the winter weather from December through February. NOAA's Climate Prediction Center (CPC) issued the La Niña Advisory a few weeks ago when water temperatures circulating in the central portions of the Pacific Ocean fell below average.

As is typical during a weak La Niña phase, the northern portions of the country, including the Upper Midwest, should brace for temperatures that slide below average over the next few months. This is already part of the country that sees the coldest temperatures of the season. In addition to the more frigid temperatures, the southern Great Lakes, the bulk of Alaska, and the Ohio Valley are also anticipated to see wetter-than-average conditions this winter.

NOAA’s 2025–26 Winter Precipitation Outlook points to below-normal rainfall across Florida, signaling a dry season ahead for the Sunshine State. (NOAA)

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