Wyoming Winter Comes 2nd Half Of November

I hope you have been enjoying this rather nice fall weather. Do not get used to it. Forecasters keep telling us that the second half of November and beyond is going to be a lot colder and snowier than last year's.

So, as we get past the middle of November, you should see those changes, away from the awesome, cool, and sunny days that we have been experiencing and into something that seems more like winter.

This winter, Wyoming is expected to be colder and snowier than it was in 2024, a significant change attributed to the presence of a La Niña pattern.

Let's get technical for a moment:

The primary driver for this winter's forecast is the shift from an El Niño pattern last year to a developing La Niña pattern this year. La Niña conditions generally lead to cooler and wetter weather across the northern tier of the United States, in contrast to El Niño's typical effects. This suggests a return to a more "classic" or "harsher" Wyoming winter compared to recent mild seasons. (NOAA).

Above-average snowfall is anticipated for much of the state, especially in the northern half and mountain ranges like the Bighorns and northern Rockies.

The setup is expected to create a good mountain snowpack, benefiting ski resorts and water resources. Skiers are going to love that, as will the ski resorts.

Southern Wyoming, while still experiencing winter weather, may not receive the high snowfall totals seen during the previous El Niño-influenced winter. They could use a little more wet down there, so let's hope this part of the forecast is wrong.