Winter snow forecast map shows where El Niño could bring more snow
New Mexico could be in for a snowier-than-normal winter, with the strongest chances for above-average snowfall early and late in the season.
- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a warmer-than-normal winter for Pennsylvania.
- Pittsburgh has a 40-50% chance of experiencing above-average winter temperatures.
- The city is on the border of a region expected to see above-average precipitation this winter.
The autumnal equinox in Pittsburgh and the rest of the United States is approaching, with just a little more than a month before fall officially starts in September.
But it’s never too early to look ahead to winter. Here’s what we know about what winter weather may look like, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Pittsburgh winter temperature prediction for December, January, February from NOAA
The NOAA released its three-month weather outlook for December, January, and February on Aug. 20.
According to NOAA, the south and central parts of Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh, will see a 40-50% chance of experiencing above-normal winter temperatures. The northern parts of the state will have a 50-60% chance of above-normal temperatures.
The average temperature in Pittsburgh from December to February typically hovers between the upper 20s to the mid to upper 30s Fahrenheit, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.
NOAA Pittsburgh’s precipitation outlook for December, January and February
Pittsburgh is right at the border of the region expected to experience 33%-40% above-average precipitation, whether it be rain or snow, this winter. NOAA predicts equal chances of normal precipitation for much of the Midwest, while much of the Northeast — including parts southwest, southeast, northeast and directly east of Pittsburgh — has a greater chance to see above-average precipitation.
When is the first day of winter 2026?
Winter will begin on Monday, Dec. 21, 2026, when we reach the winter solstice (also known as astronomical winter), according to Old Farmer’s Almanac.
How many days until winter 2026?
As of August 22, there are 130 days until the first day of winter.