Each month, NOAA updates its seasonal outlooks —broad, months-long predictions that assess the odds of precipitation and temperature outcomes across the U.S. This month’s update was released today, October 17, 2024, and as far as prospective skiing conditions go, states across the Northwestern corner of the country appear to be the frontrunners.

( NewsNation) — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released its predictions for the winter of 2024-25. Climate experts predict the U.S. will slowly transition into a La Niña pattern that could bring wetter-than-average conditions for the North and drier-than-average conditions for the South.

According to NOAA’s winter outlook for this coming winter, there is the possibility of some drought relief for us and much of the Great Lakes region. A developing La Niña is expected to have a positive influence on a higher potential for more precipitation this winter.