Winter 2024-25 Forecast For CA: How Cold And Snowy Will It Be?

CALIFORNIA — Central and Southern California may be in for a warmer and drier winter, but NorCal could still go either way, according to a new winter 2024-25 outlook.

The latest seasonal outlook from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center shows probabilities leaning toward below-normal precipitation in the bottom half of the state for December, January, and February. While two-thirds of the Golden State shows equal chances on the precipitation front, SoCal is leaning toward below average.

In an earlier statement, NOAA said data supports the development of a weak La Niña that lacks some of the blustery punch traditionally seen in such climate patterns. However, a La Niña “could still influence forecast guidance,” NOAA said.

Last month, NOAA said La Niña could emerge later than anticipated, now favored to arrive sometime between now and November. While several variables can impact seasonal outcomes, La Niña winters typically mean less rain and snow in Southern California, while the impacts are harder to predict in NorCal.

Right now, here’s how winter is expected to shape up across the country:

Pacific Northwest/Northern Rockies: The precipitation outlook is favorable to ski resorts in the region. Temperatures are expected to be below normal in Washington and northern Oregon, while the chances for a colder than usual winter are about equal elsewhere in the region.

Southwest (California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado): Chances are about equal for a warmer or cooler than average winter in the northern part of the region, but the Southwest could be hotter than normal. The same pattern is expected for precipitation.

Northern Plains/Upper Midwest: Temperatures are expected to be below normal in the Northern Plains, with chances of cold or mild temperatures about equal in the rest of the region. Most of the area is expected to see above-normal precipitation.

Northeast/New England: Temperatures are expected to be above normal up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Precipitation is expected to be above normal in much of the region.

Southeast: Temperatures are expected to be above normal and precipitation below normal throughout the region.