After this morning’s chilly weather, it’s safe to say we’re not looking forward to winter. Yet, the season, along with its weather conditions, is inevitably approaching.
The Climate Prediction Center (CPC) confirmed La Niña arrived as early as September, bringing “below-average sea-surface temperatures across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.” And apparently, these conditions are forecasted to persist through February.
So what does this mean and what even is La Niña? Let’s break it down into laymen’s terms.
La Niña is a natural climate phenomenon indicated by abnormal cold ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. This can influence precipitation patterns and storm pathways, potentially leading to warmer weather before winter could bring colder, wetter conditions in the Pacific Northwest and northern U.S. (a.k.a. New York).
La Niña lasted for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 in what’s now called the “triple dip.” Later on, there was a brief period where La Niña was present from December 2024 through early 2025, according to Yahoo.
AS of October 9th, 2025, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that La Niña conditions are favored to persist from October through December 2025. Although this may mean warmer-than-expected autumn temperatures for New York, it could turn into a snowier, colder winter. Historically, La Niña contributes to heavy snowfall and cold temperatures along the Northeast.
“Certainly, I think we’ll have more snow in the recent years, probably a little closer to average,” said Fox5 NY’s Nick Gregory said about NYC’s upcoming winter, “with the average being 28 inches.”
These conditions, in addition to possible cold snaps in February, could hinder travel and comfort for many. So, who would in luck? Skiers and snowboarders!
According to CPC, though present, La Niña is expected to be weak (3-month average Niño-3.4 index value at or between -0.5°C and -0.9°C), which may decrease its winter impacts. All that being said, other influencing factors can cause the forecast to change.
Earlier this year, The Farmer’s Almanac contributed its prediction for New York’s winter weather, expecting a cold and snow-filled season.
However, until winter comes, you can make the most of fall in NYC with our ultimate bucket list.