The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) makes long-range forecasts each month.

We are going to show you the NOAA forecast for the upcoming 2026-2027 winter season, but first, a warning.

Long-range forecasts are rarely accurate. These forecasts cover three months, but we know that skiing quality improves and degrades with storm cycles that last a few days to a week.

Paying attention to the 1-15 day forecast from OpenSnow is the way that you'll find the best snow and give you the most accurate information for your weekend trip or destination ski vacation.

NOAA 2026-2027 Winter Temperature Forecast

Warm for the majority of the northern half of the United States, including Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, the Upper Midwest, and the entire eastern half of the United States.

The Southern Rockies (Colorado, Utah, New Mexico) are the only regions in the "Equal Chances" zone, which means that the odds of above or below-normal temperatures are equal.

NOAA 2026-2027 Winter Precipitation Forecast

California, Arizona, New Mexico, most of Colorado, and the Southeast are in the "Probability of Above" zone, which means that the odds of above-normal precipitation are higher.

This outlook matches the general storm track of El Niño winters.

NOAA 2026-2027 ENSO Forecast

A strong El Niño or La Niña (which refers to ocean water temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean) can help us predict snowfall patterns during the winter.

For the upcoming 2026-2027 winter season, all indications are for a very strong El Niño.

Watch: 2026-2027 Winter Forecast Preview

For the graphics above, there's a 100% chance that water temperatures will be above average (red bar = El Niño) and a 90% chance that it will be a very strong El Niño (dark red bar = very strong).

Stay tuned to OpenSnow for more updates as winter gets closer.

Until then, unlock OpenSnow for 15-day forecasts and extended outlooks to help you find the deepest snow and the best ski conditions.

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Sam Collentine