The developing Super El Niño is set to define new winter patterns across North America and Europe, with new snowfall predictions showcasing stark regional contrast for this season.
Above-normal snow is expected across the southern and eastern U.S., while Europe faces a milder, snow-starved winter due to a dominant westerly Atlantic flow.
United States
The snowfall outlook for the U.S. showcases an active southern storm track delivering above-normal snowfall across the southern Plains, Southwest, Carolinas, and the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Florida.
The highest snowfall chances are in mid to late winter, especially in January and February, due to an amplified subtropical jet stream typical of strong El Niño events.
On the contrary, the Pacific Northwest will experience below-normal snowfall with milder air masses, and suppressed northern storm tracks limit accumulations.
Near-normal snowfall conditions are expected in the lower Midwest, Ohio Valley, and Great Lakes regions, while according to the Farmers’ Almanac, the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic will encounter a complicated combination of coastal storms, sleet, and rain-to-snow events.
Canada
Large areas of southern and western Canada should expect below-normal precipitation as well as below-normal snowfall. But the snowiest periods are likely to occur in November, early January, early February, and early March due to the occurrence of sudden cold outbreaks in these time frames.
Europe
The long-term forecast indicates an active flow from the Atlantic Ocean that brings moist air but above-normal temperatures to Europe. These conditions favor below-normal snowfall in most of the lowlands, except highland locations (the Alps) and northern/northeastern parts where cold air trapping could lead to above-normal snow accumulation at high altitudes.
In light of the ongoing development of the extreme El Niño weather event, meteorologists emphasize the importance of being ready for a winter full of contrasts.
2026-09-03 18:17:00
