The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) makes long-range forecasts each month.

We are going to show you the NOAA forecast for the upcoming 2025-2026 winter season, but first, a warning.

Long-range forecasts are rarely accurate. These forecasts cover three months, but we know that skiing quality improves and degrades with storm cycles that last a few days to a week.

Paying attention to the 1-10 day forecast from OpenSnow is the way that you'll find the best snow and give you the most accurate information for your weekend trip or destination ski vacation.

NOAA 2025-2026 Winter Temperature Forecast

Warm for the majority of the southern half of the United States, including much of California, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, the Mid-Atlantic, and well up into New England.

Washington and northern Oregon are the only regions in the "Probability of Below" zone, which means that the odds of below-normal temperatures are higher.

NOAA 2025-2026 Winter Precipitation Forecast

Eastern Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming are in the "Probability of Above" zone, which means that the odds of above-normal precipitation are higher.

This outlook matches the general storm track of previous weak La Niña to ENSO-neutral winters.

NOAA 2025-2026 ENSO Forecast

A strong El Niño or La Niña (which refers to ocean water temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean) can help us predict snowfall patterns during the winter.

For the upcoming 2025-2026 winter season, we're still monitoring whether it will be a neutral or a weak La Niña winter.

Watch: La Niña or La Nada for Winter 2025-2026?

For the graphic above, there's a 50% chance that water temperatures will be below average (blue bar = La Niña) and a 40% chance that water temperatures will be near average (grey bar = Neutral).

Stay tuned to OpenSnow for more updates as winter gets closer.

Technology will continue to advance, and someday we might be able to accurately and consistently forecast weather patterns 3-6 months in advance. Until then, unlock OpenSnow for 10-day forecasts and extended outlooks to help you find the deepest snow and the best ski conditions.

Every OpenSnow subscription is also good for 365 days.

Winter & Spring Features

• 10-Day Snow Forecasts
• Expert Snow Forecasters
• Custom Snow Alerts
• Recent Snowfall Maps
• Snow Forecast & Report Widgets

Summer & Fall Features

• 10-Day Weather Forecasts
• Current & Forecast Radar
• Active Fire & Smoke Maps
• Lightning Risk Forecasts
• Offline Satellite & Terrain Maps

Use OpenSnow to escape to the desert this fall, find every powder day this winter, track the freeze/thaw cycle for corn snow and peak-bagging next spring, and avoid lightning and wildfire smoke next summer.

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Sam Collentine