Winter 2025 in Minnesota: NOAA’s Full Forecast Just Dropped

Thursday felt a bit like Christmas morning for winter weather lovers here in Minnesota, as NOAA released its winter outlook. But sometimes you get socks on Christmas morning, and sometimes it’s a new PlayStation. So let’s break it down and see what kind of winter we’re in for and whether those dreaming of a snow-covered wonderland will be happy.

The first thing I noticed was "La Niña" and I can never remember if that's a good or bad for Minnesota weather, so I looked that up too. Read about La Niña and check out the full winter outlook for Minnesota below.

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El Niño vs. La Niña: How Do They Impact Minnesota Weather?

El Niño happens when the waters of the Pacific Ocean warm up more than usual, shifting the Pacific jet stream. This shift impacts weather patterns around the globe, often bringing extreme conditions like floods, droughts, or unusually high or low temperatures.

El Niño shows up every few years and can have a big influence on winter weather.

ALSO READ: OLD FARMER'S ALMANAC: SNOW BEFORE HALLOWEEN

La Niña occurs when the central and eastern Pacific Ocean cools down. That cooling changes atmospheric patterns, which can impact weather worldwide, including right here in Minnesota.

Historically, La Niña winters in Minnesota have meant colder, snowier conditions.

NOAA’s 2025 Winter Outlook for Minnesota

A weak La Niña is expected to stick around through the winter of 2025–2026.

The National Weather Service in the Twin Cities released the outlook maps below. The first one shows projected temperatures. It looks like temperatures are going to bounce up and down, but overall temps across Minnesota are trending to be below normal. The coldest air is expected in January and February, and we might also have a cooler spring.

How Much Snowfall is Expected in Minnesota This Winter?

NOAA is calling for a slight chance of above-average precipitation, which might sound like good news for snow lovers. But with those bouncing temperatures, not all of it may fall as snow.