Weather
U.S. Winter Weather Today: NOAA Turns Focus to Snow and Ice
United States – Winter may still be weeks away on the calendar, but federal forecasters are already turning their attention to snow, ice and colder temperatures across the United States.
By Elliot Vaughn · 2026-09-24T15:50:08.566Z
United States – Winter may still be weeks away on the calendar, but federal forecasters are already turning their attention to snow, ice and colder temperatures across the United States.
According to NOAA's Weather Prediction Center, winter weather forecasting for the 2026 27 season officially began Thursday, Sept. 24, with the agency announcing that its Winter Weather Desk is now operating for the season.
The Weather Prediction Center urged residents to begin preparing now for colder temperatures and wintry precipitation. Its forecasters provide national guidance for potentially disruptive snow and ice events throughout the winter season.
The announcement does not mean widespread snow or unusually cold conditions are immediately expected. Instead, it marks the beginning of the Weather Prediction Center's seasonal winter forecasting operations as the country moves deeper into fall.
NOAA said the official Winter Season Outlook is scheduled to be released Oct. 15. That outlook is expected to provide a broader picture of temperature and precipitation trends for the coming winter.
Those seasonal outlooks differ from short range storm forecasts. They indicate whether temperatures or precipitation are more likely to fall above, near or below typical levels over longer periods rather than predicting individual snowstorms months in advance.
As winter approaches, the Weather Prediction Center also provides probabilistic snow and ice forecasts and its Winter Storm Severity Index, which helps communicate the potential impacts of approaching winter storms.
For residents, Thursday's announcement offers an early reminder to check winter emergency supplies and prepare vehicles and homes before colder weather becomes established.