NEW YORK, N.Y. – NOAA’s Winter 2025–2026 outlook, issued Thursday, Oct. 16, signals a colder, stormier setup for the entire East Coast — from the Carolinas through New England — raising hopes for a white Christmas and concerns over travel disruptions during peak holiday weeks. The Climate Prediction Center’s maps show above-normal precipitation and near- to below-normal temperatures across much of the corridor from December through February.
According to NOAA meteorologists, La Niña will steer a strong and active jet stream toward the Atlantic seaboard this winter, energizing coastal storm systems that could deliver repeated snow and ice events. “This pattern sets up a favorable environment for frequent nor’easters and cold air intrusions,” forecasters said. Areas most likely to see above-normal snowfall include the interior Mid-Atlantic, New England, and the Appalachian foothills, while coastal cities may swing between heavy wet snow and chilly rain.
December could open mild but turn sharply colder by Christmas, with the greatest snow potential stretching from Philadelphia to Boston. Major interstates such as I-95, I-81, and I-90 may face hazardous travel during multiple systems between late December and February. Airports in New York, Washington, and Boston could also experience weather-related delays if this active trend holds.
By February 2026, Arctic outbreaks may deepen the chill before conditions gradually ease in March. NOAA urges residents to prepare for potential power outages, icy commutes, and coastal flooding during strong storms. While the overall signal favors a snowy winter, meteorologists stress that timing and track will determine whether cities experience more sleet or accumulating snow during key holiday periods.
