Will WA get a snowy, cold winter? Here’s what the NOAA forecast says
If you’re hoping for a cold winter in Washington, you might get your wish.
The Climate Prediction Center — part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — unveiled a three-month outlook for December, January and February, and it says the Evergreen State may be in for below-normal temperatures.
Much of the state has a 33-40% chance of being colder than normal, according to the outlook. Meanwhile, Washington’s northeastern corner has a higher chance of below-normal temperatures, per the outlook, which was issued Oct. 16.
The state also could be in for more precipitation than normal, if the outlook bears out. It shows a 33-40% chance of above-normal precipitation for much of the state, with the probability even higher in part of eastern Washington, per the outlook.
Past observations and data are used to put together the outlooks.
What about other winter forecasts for Washington?
The Climate Prediction Center isn’t alone in looking ahead to winter in Washington.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has predicted a “mild winter overall with chilly spells and below-average snow” in its Pacific Northwest weather region that includes western parts of Washington. Temperatures are expected to be above normal, with the coldest periods in late November, early December and early February, per the almanac, which also predicted below-normal precipitation and snow.
At the same time, a “mild winter with mixed precipitation and fluctuating snow amounts” is predicted in the almanac’s Intermountain weather region, which includes the rest of Washington. Temperatures are expected to be above normal, with the coldest periods in late November, early December and early February in that region, per the almanac.
Precipitation that’s slightly above normal is expected, along with snowfall that’s below normal in the northern part of the region.
Meanwhile, the Farmers’ Almanac, which is different from The Old Farmer’s Almanac, said “the Pacific Northwest mountains are gearing up for some impressive snowfall totals,” while the Northwest, including Washington, should “prepare for a cold winter.”
This story was originally published October 24, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Will WA get a snowy, cold winter? Here’s what the NOAA forecast says."
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