NOAA yesterday released a "Long Lead Seasonal Forecast" for winter 2024-25, predicting below-average temperatures and above-average precipitation in the Pacific Northwest and parts of the Northern Rockies.
According to the release, "A La Niña watch is now in effect as La Niña is favored to develop during July-September."
During La Niña events, Cold waters in the Pacific push the jet stream northward, usually leading to heavy rains and flooding in the Pacific Northwest and Canada. During a La Niña year, winter temperatures are warmer than normal in the South and cooler than normal in the North.
In the release, NOAA predicts that upper regions of the country, AK, WA, OR, ID, and more northern parts of CO, WY, MT, and UT will see lower-than-average temperatures paired with higher-than-average precipitation levels. This outlook sets these regions up for an increased likelihood of snowfall, and potentially incredible conditions.
Predictions for other areas of the country, however, are a little more uncertain. NOAA is predicting temperatures and precipitation for the Northeast and Midwest states as more "mixed" as of now.
If temperatures dip below average, these regions, particularly the Great Lakes area could potentially see snowier-than-average seasons, but it may be too early to tell.
