Winter Weather Predictions 2025 California
The Farmers’ Almanac predicts that the 2024-2025 winter season in California and the Southwest region will be characterized by average temperatures and precipitation a welcome change from the previous winter’s intense atmospheric rivers. The season will start with a dry Thanksgiving followed by rain and snow showers in December. Christmas is expected to be fair dry and very chilly. Late January may bring heavy snow in the mountains leading to potential storms in the eastern parts of the region.
General Overview:
La Niña Impact: La Niña, known for cooling ocean surface temperatures, is expected to dominate this winter, bringing cooler and wetter conditions to California, especially in the northern parts of the state.
Northern California:
- Wet and Stormy: Northern California is predicted to experience a wetter-than-normal winter. Expect frequent storms that could bring significant rainfall especially in the Pacific Northwest extending into Northern California.
- Snow in Higher Elevations: The mountainous regions, including the Sierra Nevada are likely to see above-average snowfall making it a prime season for winter sports enthusiasts.
Southern California:
- Cooler and Drier: Southern California may experience cooler temperature than usual but overall, the precipitation is expected to be around average. While not as wet as the northern part of the state there could still be periods of rain especially during the red-flagged storm periods in late January.
Key Dates to Watch:
- Late January (20-27): This period is highlighted for potentially active weather including storms that could bring rain to lower elevations and snow to the mountains.
- Early February: While the focus is more on Texas and the Northwest for significant snowfall California could still see some impact, particularly in the northern regions.
What This Means for You:
- Prepare for Storms: If you live in Northern California ensure you’re ready for potentially heavy rain and snowstorms.
- Travel Caution: Winter sports fans heading to the Sierra Nevada should prepare for potentially hazardous travel conditions due to snow.
- Stay Informed: Pay close attention to weather forecasts especially during the highlighted dates in January and February, to stay ahead of any severe weather events.
2024 2025 Winter Predictions California Accuweather
For the winter of 2024-2025 California is expected to experience a winter influenced by a La Niña pattern. This typically brings cooler and wetter conditions to Northern California while Southern California may see drier and warmer weather. AccuWeather and other sources such as NOAA indicate that the La Niña pattern has a high probability (around 70-79%) of persisting through the winter months.
Northern California, especially in areas like the Sierra Nevada could see above-average snowfall which might be beneficial for ski resorts. However Southern California is likely to experience below-average precipitation potentially leading to drier conditions throughout the season​ (Unofficial Networks)​ (Snow Brains).
As always long-term weather predictions can vary so it’s advisable to stay updated with local forecasts as the season progresses.
California Snowfall Amounts for Winter 2024-2025
The Farmers’ Almanac winter weather forecast for 2024-2025 suggests a dynamic winter for California particularly influenced by the La Niña pattern. Here’s what to expect in terms of snowfall across different regions of California:
Sierra Nevada Mountains:
Above-Average Snowfall: The Sierra Nevada is expected to receive above-average snowfall this winter. Given La Niña’s typical impact you can anticipate significant snow accumulation particularly during major storm periods.
Some storms could bring several feet of snow especially in higher elevations like Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain. It wouldn’t be unusual to see totals exceeding 400-500 inches over the season in the highest elevations.
Northern California Mountains (e.g., Mt. Shasta, Lassen Peak):
Heavy Snowfall: These regions are also likely to see substantial snowfall. Mt. Shasta, for instance could receive heavy snow during the winter with totals potentially reaching or exceeding 300-400 inches by the end of the season depending on the frequency and intensity of the storms.
Southern California Mountains (e.g., Big Bear, San Bernardino Mountains):
Moderate to High Snowfall: While Southern California typically receives less snow than the northern and central parts of the state this winter could still bring above-average snowfall to the mountains.
Big Bear and other high-altitude areas could see accumulations ranging from 60 to 120 inches with higher amounts possible in particularly intense storm systems.
Coastal and Lowland Areas:
Minimal to No Snow: Coastal and lower elevation areas of California including cities like Los Angeles San Francisco and San Diego are unlikely to see significant snowfall. Snowfall in these areas is rare but there could be a few instances of snow at very low elevations if temperatures drop significantly during strong cold fronts. more details
California Snow Forecast 2024-2025 by Region
Region/City | Expected Snowfall (Winter 2024-2025) |
---|---|
Northern California | |
Lake Tahoe (Sierra Nevada) | 400-500+ inches |
Truckee (Sierra Nevada) | 350-450 inches |
Mammoth Lakes (Sierra Nevada) | 400-500+ inches |
Mount Shasta (Shasta Cascade) | 300-400 inches |
South Lake Tahoe | 350-450 inches |
Central California | |
Yosemite National Park (High Elevations) | 300-400 inches |
Fresno (Low Elevation, Valley) | Minimal to no snowfall |
Bishop (Eastern Sierra) | 60-120 inches |
Southern California | |
Big Bear Lake (San Bernardino Mountains) | 60-120 inches |
Wrightwood (San Gabriel Mountains) | 50-100 inches |
Idyllwild (San Jacinto Mountains) | 30-70 inches |
Mt. Baldy (San Gabriel Mountains) | 50-100 inches |
Coastal and Lowland Areas | |
Los Angeles | Minimal to no snowfall |
San Francisco | Minimal to no snowfall |
San Diego | Minimal to no snowfall |
Sacramento | Minimal to no snowfall |
Santa Barbara | Minimal to no snowfall |
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