World · North America · 7 hrs ago
Forecasts point to a wetter-than-usual winter across much of the US
NOAA’s seasonal outlook points to above-average precipitation from December 2026 through February 2027 along the East Coast and in parts of the South and California.
That could mean rain or snow, depending on temperatures and local conditions.
Independent forecasters say at least 19 states could face a busy season for winter storms.
Meteorologist Ryan Hall identified parts of the South, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic as a possible focus for heavy snow or ice.
El Niño, a warming of the Pacific Ocean, can shift the jet stream south and bring more moisture to parts of the country.
The outlook also signals more chances for precipitation in the Northeast, but it is not yet clear whether temperatures will be cold enough for sustained snow.
Forecasters say the rain-or-snow outlook remains uncertain.
NOAA’s seasonal outlook points to above-average precipitation across the US East Coast and parts of the southern US from December 2026 to February 2027.
California is also expected to have above-average precipitation, including possible heavy snowfall in the Sierra Nevada and other high-altitude areas.
Forecasters say parts of the South, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic could face major snow or ice storms.
Meteorologist Ryan Hall says the Northeast forecast remains uncertain, with rain and snow both possible.
- Who
- NOAA and independent forecasters, including meteorologist Ryan Hall, issued or discussed winter forecasts.
- What
- Forecasts point to above-average precipitation across much of the East Coast, the South and California, with possible snow and ice storms.
- When
- The forecast covers December 2026 to February 2027.
- Where
- Much of the East Coast and southern US, as well as California.
- Why
- The article says El Niño is shifting the jet stream and bringing more moisture to the southern half of the US.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
We do expect nor'easters to be a frequent event this year up the East Coast, and these do tend to be snow producing at least for somebody depending on where that low [pressure system] is located.
On my map, this is the winter storm battleground, and this is actually where my forecast has changed the most. I'm now a lot more confident than I was a few weeks ago that somebody in this corridor is going to get a big snowstorm or a big ice storm this winter.
I think there's going to be plenty of chances over here. But that still doesn't answer the thing that everybody actually wants to know: rain or snow. And I'm going to be sticking with that same coin flip.
NOAA’s seasonal outlook showed shifts in expected precipitation associated with El Niño.
Ryan Hall said the Northeast forecast remained a coin flip between rain and snow.
The NOAA outlook covers this winter period.
- Forecast period
- December 2026 to February 2027
- East Coast
- Above-average precipitation chances from southern Maine to Florida
- Southern states
- The outlook highlights northern Florida, Georgia, southern Alabama and Mississippi, the Carolinas and eastern Virginia
- California
- Above-average precipitation is forecast, with possible heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada
- Northeast precipitation type
- Ryan Hall described the rain-or-snow outlook as a coin flip
Sources
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