As the leaves start to change color, it's time to think about the upcoming holiday season and the weather that might come with it. Both NOAA and the Farmers’ Almanac have released their extended forecasts for this winter. While these predictions aren't set in stone, they can help us plan our travels better.

A big factor affecting this year's winter forecast is La Niña, a climate pattern that can bring different weather conditions to various parts of the country. In the South, it might be warmer than usual, while the North could see cooler temperatures. The Pacific Northwest and Canada might face heavy rains and flooding, with droughts possible in the southern U.S.

For most of the country, expect higher-than-average temperatures from late fall to early winter. However, a large section up north, stretching from California to Ohio along the Canadian border, might have average temperatures. The coldest spots are likely to be the Northern Plains and Great Lakes region.

Rain and snow are also on their way, with the Farmers’ Almanac predicting a "wet winter whirlwind" of rapid-fire storms. Areas like New England and the Northeast can expect above-normal precipitation with both rain and snow. The Midwest will see more precipitation than usual, while the Southwest might have less rainfall than average.

What Winter 2024-2025 Might Bring: A Climate Pattern's Influence

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