Get Ready, Ohio: NOAA's Winter 2024-25 Forecast is Here!

If you live in Ohio, you might want to gear up for a milder winter this year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Their Climate Prediction Center has just released their winter outlook report for January, February, and March 2025. This report is a big deal because it tells us what kind of weather to expect. NOAA is predicting that La Niña conditions will be strong across the U. S. this winter. In plain English, La Niña happens when the Pacific Ocean cools off, and it usually occurs every few years. Last year, the U. S. experienced the opposite, known as El Niño, where the ocean warmed up. So, what does La Niña mean for Ohio? Well, typically, the northern part of the U. S. gets colder and stormier, while the south stays warmer and calmer. But this time, Ohio seems to be in for a treat. In Western Ohio, near places like Cincinnati, there's a good chance (33-40%) that it will be warmer than usual. Moving east and south, areas like Columbus, Cleveland, and Akron have an even higher chance of warmer temperatures, around 40-50%. But hold on, it's not all about temperatures. Ohio is also expected to see more rain and snow this winter. The western parts, including Cincinnati and Dayton, might see a 50-60% increase in precipitation. And the northern, eastern, and southern regions could see a 40-50% increase. So, grab your boots and umbrellas, Ohio! This winter might be milder, but it could also be wetter.