LOS ANGELES – Southern California, Arizona, and New Mexico are set for a warmer, drier winter this year, as La Niña locks in across the Pacific and shifts the jet stream north. That pattern, expected to last into February, raises concerns about worsening drought and limited chances for significant rainfall across the Southwest.
According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, La Niña typically steers storms away from the region, leaving Southern California, central Arizona, and much of New Mexico with below-normal precipitation. That outlook means Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Albuquerque may see long stretches of mild, dry days broken only by brief cold fronts. The Farmers’ Almanac notes that while overnight chills are still likely in desert valleys and high plateaus, winter warmth will dominate the season.
Drought conditions remain a major concern, especially for agriculture and water supplies. Reservoirs across California and the Colorado River basin could see levels drop further, while wildfire risk may climb early in 2025 if dry weather persists. Ranchers in New Mexico and Arizona are also preparing for tighter grazing conditions as soil moisture declines.
With La Niña projected to hold into February, the Southwest faces a challenging season of dryness, above-normal warmth, and heightened drought concerns heading into spring.
