What La Niña May Mean for Snowfall Measurements This Winter

Snow in the forecast this weekend for the Upper Midwest and the Great Lakes is serving as a reminder that winter is right around the corner. Snowfall measurements can vary widely from year to year, depending on location. There are a variety of factors that influence how much it will snow in any given season. One of these influencers is whether La Niña or El Niño is in control of the overall weather patterns. What does the recent emergence of La Niña heading into the winter have to say about snowfall predictions? Read on for the details.

How La Niña Influences Snowfall Patterns

The meteorological winter is just one month away. Long-range forecasts are already beginning to identify what parts of the county should prepare for the most snow in the months ahead. The presence of a La Niña climate pattern typically translates to more snow in the northern edge of the U.S. For example, the Northeast and New England generally take it on the chin during La Niña winters.

How does La Niña exert so much influence on snowfall trends? First, you need to understand what La Niña means in meteorological terms. La Niña is one of a trio of climatological phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a term used to note the natural fluctuations in ocean water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. The fluid motion of these temperatures and the associated atmospheric circulation influences weather patterns all over the world.