A Divided Winter Ahead: La Niña Stirs Up The U.S. Forecast
• La Niña is expected to cause a divided winter in the U.S., with cold, snowy conditions in the North and drought in the South.
• NOAA forecasts wetter, colder weather for the Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, and Northern Plains, while the South remains warm and dry.
• Experts warn of sharp regional contrasts and amplified extremes through early 2026 due to interactions between Arctic and tropical climate patterns.
Frigid North, drought-stricken South, unpredictable swings ahead
A developing La Niña is expected to deliver one of the most divided U.S. winters in years, bringing frigid, snowy conditions to the North and worsening drought in the South. NOAA forecasts wetter, colder weather across the Pacific Northwest, Great Lakes, and Northern Plains, while the southern tier remains warm and dry. This weak La Niña, confirmed in September, could still trigger unpredictable swings as Arctic and tropical climate patterns interact. Experts warn the season may feature sharp regional contrasts and amplified extremes through early 2026.
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