Weather
Weather.com is the latest organization to release a winter 2024-25 forecast. Having read forecasts from Almanacs, the NOAA, Direct Weather, AccuWeather, and others, I’m still none the wiser. All seem to contradict each other differently. For example, Direct Weather says this winter will be one of the coldest in 10 years, and Weather.com says it could be one of the top 10 warmest in the last 65 years. The only thing that all the forecasters agree on is that the Pacific Northwest is in for a snowy season.
Below is a summary of Weather.com’s winter 2024-25 forecast:
The upcoming winter (December 2024 – February 2025) is expected to be warmer than average for much of the United States, with a few key exceptions that could benefit skiers and snowboarders.
Regional Outlook
Northwest: Good news for Pacific Northwest ski resorts! Washington, Oregon, and Idaho are predicted to have below-average temperatures, potentially leading to better snow conditions.
Northern Plains: Parts of this region may also experience colder-than-average temperatures, which could favor skiing in states like Montana and Wyoming.
Southwest to East Coast: Unfortunately, most of the country from the Southwest through the Southern Plains, eastern Great Lakes, and East Coast is expected to be warmer than average.
- Related: [VIDEO] AccuWeather Winter 2024-25 Forecast: Wet West Coast Winter With Shifting Storm Patterns
Monthly Breakdown
December: While generally warmer overall, there’s a chance for colder periods, especially in the Midwest and Northeast.
January: The pattern continues with warmer conditions in the South and East, but the Pacific Northwest and northern Minnesota/North Dakota remain the best bets for cold weather.
February: A more pronounced temperature divide may develop, with the East staying warm but the Northwest experiencing colder conditions. The Great Basin and Northern Plains might also see below-average temperatures.
La Niña Influence
A weak La Niña is expected to develop, which could contribute to the colder conditions in the Northwest. This climate pattern tends to bring cooler and wetter weather to the northern U.S., potentially benefiting ski areas in those regions.
For skiers and snowboarders, the Pacific Northwest and parts of the Northern Rockies look to be the most promising destinations this winter, with a higher likelihood of favorable snow conditions.
