KANSAS CITY, Mo. – NOAA’s Winter 2025–2026 outlook, issued Thursday, Oct. 16, signals an active and colder-than-normal season across the Missouri Valley — a setup that could deliver frequent snow events and an increased chance of a white Christmas. The Climate Prediction Center’s maps show above-normal precipitation and near- to below-normal temperatures across Missouri, eastern Kansas, and much of Nebraska through February.
According to NOAA meteorologists, a strengthening La Niña will help drive a more energetic jet stream over the central United States this winter. That pattern typically funnels moisture-laden systems across the Plains into the Midwest, leading to snow, sleet, and bouts of freezing rain. “We’re seeing consistent signals for a stormier corridor through the Missouri Valley,” the agency said, noting that even lower elevations could see multiple accumulating snow events this season.
December could start near average but trend colder toward Christmas, improving odds for snow from Omaha to Springfield. January and February 2026 appear poised for the most significant cold outbreaks, with the potential for heavy snow along I-70, I-35, and I-29. Forecasters caution that strong temperature swings could also lead to icy roads and power interruptions during Arctic surges.
By March, the pattern may begin to moderate, but lingering winter systems could still affect travel and agriculture before spring thaw. Residents are urged to prepare now — check heating systems, stock emergency supplies, and keep vehicles winter-ready before the first major snow.
