SEATTLE, Wash. – NOAA’s Winter 2025–2026 outlook, released Thursday, Oct. 16, calls for a classic La Niña setup across Washington — wet along the coast, snowy in the mountains, and colder than average statewide through early March. The Climate Prediction Center’s data highlights above-normal precipitation and below-normal temperatures across the Pacific Northwest, signaling a strong winter storm season ahead.
According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, “We’re expecting frequent Pacific systems and plenty of snow in the Cascades. It’s shaping up to be an active winter.” Western Washington, including Seattle and Everett, may see periods of cold rain and occasional lowland snow if Arctic air pushes west of the mountains. The heaviest snow is expected in the Cascades and northern interior, where totals could climb well above normal through February.
Forecasters warn that travel over mountain passes — including Snoqualmie, Stevens, and White — may be repeatedly impacted by heavy snow, chain requirements, and avalanche risk. Coastal areas like Aberdeen and Forks will face gusty winds, flooding potential, and pounding surf during stronger storms.
NOAA adds that colder-than-average air could persist into March, delaying the melt season across the mountains and increasing spring runoff potential. Residents are urged to prepare for flooding, power outages, and slick roads during back-to-back systems.
For Washington, Winter 2026 looks to bring a full return to wet, cold, and snow-loaded conditions — a season demanding vigilance from coast to crest.
