“Both observations and computer models suggest La Nina is likely to develop.”- Mike Halpert, deputy director of NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center

NOAA just released their latest Winter Outlook for 2017/18 in the USA today.

NOAA has also issued a La Nina Watch and they’re stating in this video that they think La Nina will be ‘likely’ for the USA this winter.  NOAA is currently forecasting a 55-65% chance that La Nina will hit this winter.

“If La Nina conditions develop, we predict it will be weak and potentially short-lived, but it could still shape the character of the upcoming winter.  Typical La Nina patterns during winter include above average precipitation and colder than average temperatures along the Northern Tier of the U.S. and below normal precipitation and drier conditions across the South.” – Mike Halpert, deputy director of NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center

According to this outlook, you’ll want to spend winter 2017/18 in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, or Oregon.

Precipitation Outlook:

Above average precipitation is forecast for the Northern Rocky Mountains including Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Northern Colorado (think Big Sky, Bridger Bowl, Whitefish, Schweitzer, Sun Valley, Grand Targhee, Jackson Hole, Steamboat).

Below average precipitation is forecast for New Mexico, Arizona, Southern California.

Temperature Outlook:

Colder than average temperatures are forecast for Washington, Oregon, Northern Idaho, Northern Montana, and Southern Alaska (think Crystal Mountain, Mt. Baker, Stevens Pass, Mt. Hood, Mt. Bachelor, Schweitzer, Whitefish, Alyeska).

Above average temperatures are forecast for New Mexico, Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming.