Brace for a true winter this year. The 2025–2026 U.S. Winter Forecast warns of a stormy season with early snow, heavy accumulations, and back-to-back winter systems impacting northern and eastern states.
According to meteorologist Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather’s Lead Long-Range Forecaster, “We’re forecasting an intense, stormy winter with significant snowfall events at both the beginning and the end of the season. The middle of winter could bring a brief lull, but early and late storms will define this season.”
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2025–2026 Winter Forecast Overview
Meteorologists expect early snow in September for the Northern Rockies and a major storm pattern by December, followed by renewed activity late in the winter season.
| Region | Timing of First Snow | Winter Highlights (2025–2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Rockies | September–Early October | Early snow dustings on high peaks; spreading into Utah and Colorado. |
| Pacific Northwest | Late October | Snowfall in Washington Cascades and Oregon mountains. |
| Upper Midwest | Late October–November | Early snow and strong lake-effect bands near the Great Lakes. |
| Northeast & New England | Late October–December | First measurable snow by early December; strong nor’easters possible. |
| Central Plains & Mid-Atlantic | November–December | Snow expands into Kansas, Pittsburgh, and Boston. |
| Southern States | Late December–January | Light snow possible in northern Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. |
| Deep South & Florida | Rare | Mostly warm; minimal snow chance. |
| Western Mountains | Variable | Mostly dry early, snowstorms likely by December. |
Early Winter Storms
The 2025–2026 season is being described as a “bookend winter” — active at the beginning and end, with a calm mid-season period.
December 2025: Cold fronts sweeping down from western Canada could collide with moisture from the Gulf and Atlantic, triggering the first widespread winter storm before the holidays.
“Early December could bring our first significant winter storm of the season,” said Dr. Jennifer McCall, climate researcher at the National Center for Atmospheric Analysis. “These early systems often catch travelers off-guard, especially heading into the holiday rush.”
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Late Winter 2026: Meteorologists anticipate another round of Arctic air intrusions in February and March, leading to renewed snowstorms in the Great Lakes, Midwest, and New England.
“The Great Lakes region is once again shaping up to be a snow magnet,” noted Dr. Alex Rodriguez, meteorologist at the University of Wisconsin. “Cold air over warm lake waters will intensify lake-effect snowfalls.”
What’s Driving the 2025–2026 Winter Pattern?
Several global and regional weather factors are converging to shape this colder, stormier winter:
| Climate Driver | Effect on Winter Weather |
|---|---|
| Weak La Niña | Cooler Pacific Ocean waters tend to bring colder, snowier winters across the northern U.S. |
| Polar Jet Stream Dips | More frequent jet stream troughs will allow Arctic air to surge south. |
| Warm Great Lakes | Unseasonably warm lake surfaces will intensify early-season lake-effect snow. |
| Greenland High-Pressure Blocking | May trap cold air over the U.S. and prolong winter conditions. |
“This setup has all the hallmarks of a classic cold and snowy pattern,” explained Dr. Megan Ellis, senior atmospheric scientist at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center. “The combination of La Niña and a wavy jet stream will bring volatility — and lots of snow — to northern states.”
Estimated Snowfall Range by Region
| Region | Typical First Snow Range | Forecast (2025–2026) |
|---|---|---|
| High Rockies / Alpine | Late September–Early October | Early start, likely in September. |
| Upper Midwest / Northern Plains | Mid-October–Early November | Shifting earlier with heavy lake-effect events. |
| Northeast Mountains | Early October | High-elevation flurries likely. |
| Mid-Atlantic / Plains | Late November–Early December | Snow delayed until early winter. |
| Pacific Northwest (High Terrain) | October–November | Early mountain snow probable. |
The heaviest snowfall is expected in the Great Lakes corridor, particularly around Buffalo, Rochester, Duluth, and Marquette, where totals could exceed 90 inches by season’s end.
Impact on Daily Life and Travel
Snow lovers might celebrate, but travel and infrastructure will face challenges.
- Roads and Highways: Expect slippery commutes, longer drive times, and periodic closures during early-December and late-February storm systems.
- Flights: Icy conditions and nor’easters could trigger airport delays in Chicago, Boston, and New York City.
- Schools: Districts in the Midwest and Northeast should plan for multiple snow days and hybrid learning contingencies.
- Supply Chains: Persistent cold and snow could disrupt transportation, particularly for winter produce and fuel shipments.
“Drivers often underestimate how quickly roads can turn treacherous with the season’s first snow,” warned Lt. Brandon Reeves of the Illinois State Police. “Preparation is key to avoiding accidents and delays.”
Safety and Preparedness Tips
| Area | Preparation Tips |
|---|---|
| Driving | Equip vehicles with snow tires, check antifreeze, and keep an emergency kit (blankets, flashlight, snacks, water). |
| Home Safety | Insulate pipes, test heating systems early, and keep a backup generator if possible. |
| Travel | Download airline apps for real-time alerts, monitor local DOT advisories before road trips. |
| Health & Wellness | Stock up on prescriptions and essentials before major storms. Cold snaps can limit mobility for seniors and those with medical needs. |
| Outdoor Work | Farmers and construction workers should adjust schedules around early frost and snowfall forecasts. |
Regional Highlights
Midwest & Great Lakes
Expect near-constant snowfall bursts through December and February, with strong lake-effect snow in Michigan, Ohio, and upstate New York.
Northeast & New England
Prepare for two major nor’easters — one in December 2025 and another in late February 2026 — capable of bringing a foot or more of snow in metropolitan areas like Boston and New York City.
Rockies & Northwest
Early snowpack in the Rockies could boost ski seasons across Utah, Colorado, and Montana, while Washington and Oregon see mixed conditions depending on altitude.
Southern States
Northern portions of Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky might see a dusting of snow by January, but the Deep South will remain mostly mild and dry.
Winter’s Broader Impacts
Meteorologists caution that this year’s cold could stretch energy systems and local resources:
- Heating Demand: Energy use could spike by 10–15% in northern regions.
- Agriculture: Early frost may affect late harvests.
- Wildlife & Ecology: Early snow cover could shorten migration and feeding windows for some species.
- Recreation: Ski resorts in Vermont, Colorado, and Utah anticipate one of their earliest openings in a decade.
“This is shaping up to be one of the most active winters since 2014–2015,” said Dr. Jacob Monroe, an environmental climatologist. “Communities that prepare early will handle it best.”
FAQs
When will the first snow fall in the U.S.?
Early snow could begin in September in the Rockies and spread to the Midwest and Northeast by October and November.
Which regions will get the most snow?
The Great Lakes, Upper Midwest, and Northeast will see the heaviest totals, with some locations exceeding 90 inches by spring.
Will southern states see any snow?
Rarely — though northern Tennessee, Arkansas, and Kentucky could see light snow by late December or early January.
What weather patterns are influencing this winter?
A weak La Niña, polar jet stream dips, and warm Great Lakes waters are driving the colder and stormier setup.
How will travel be affected?
Expect flight delays, icy highways, and school closures, especially during December and February storm peaks.
Is this winter expected to be colder than usual?
Yes — temperatures will run below average across the Midwest, Northeast, and Rockies, coupled with above-average snowfall.