Boston, Mass. – New Englanders should brace for a winter that could swing wildly between snow, ice, and rain, as forecasters stress that the 2025-26 season offers no clear trend for storm tracks or snowfall.
According to the National Weather Service, weak La Niña conditions this fall are likely to fade, leaving the region in an ENSO-neutral pattern for December through February. In past neutral winters, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine have experienced everything from relentless snow to mild, rainy stretches that cut into ski season.
Meteorologists say Boston, Hartford, and Providence could each see rapid changes in weather as storm systems ride shifting jet streams. The most at-risk areas are interior New Hampshire and Vermont, where temperatures hover near freezing — meaning storms may toggle between snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Along the coast, from Portland to Cape Cod, warmer intrusions may turn snow events into flooding rains.
Travel will be a major concern. Icy conditions could strike I-95, I-89, and mountain roads without much warning. For skiers, popular destinations like Killington, Sugarloaf, and Mount Snow may face uneven snowpack if storms arrive in bursts.
The key driver this year, forecasters emphasize, will be short-range “wild cards” like the Arctic Oscillation, which can send cold air plunging south or allow mild Pacific air to surge in. These patterns often flip every few weeks, leaving long-range maps less reliable.
Residents should prepare for mixed conditions and monitor weekly updates closely. The official winter outlook, due October 16, will provide further guidance on whether New England leans toward a snowier or milder setup.
