Olympia, Washington – New long-range federal climate guidance suggests February 2026 could bring above-normal snowfall across much of Washington, with the strongest signal centered on central and western parts of the state.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC), Washington falls within a broad corridor of elevated snowfall probabilities spanning the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies. The outlook points to a higher likelihood of more frequent or longer-duration snow events compared to typical February conditions.
Central and western Washington, including areas near the Cascades and surrounding lowlands, show the most consistent signal for above-normal snowfall. Mountain regions are favored for repeated accumulating snow events, while lower elevations could see more frequent snow or mixed winter systems during colder periods.
CPC monthly outlooks do not provide specific snowfall totals or storm timing. Instead, they assess how total snowfall during the month may compare to long-term averages. For February 2026, the guidance suggests cumulative snowfall or the number of snow events could exceed normal levels, particularly in and near higher terrain.
Temperature outlooks for February indicate near-normal to below-normal conditions across parts of Washington. This temperature profile supports snow rather than rain at higher elevations and increases the likelihood of accumulating snow during colder systems, especially east of Puget Sound and in mountain passes.
Neighboring regions including Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia are also included in the above-normal snowfall zone, reinforcing confidence in a large-scale winter pattern rather than isolated storms.
Commuters, mountain travelers, freight operators, and outdoor recreation communities across Washington are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as February approaches, when outlooks are refined and confidence increases closer to the season.
