What to Expect from a Late La Niña Winter in Michigan

The National Weather Service recently shared its forecast for the 2024-2025 winter in Southeast Michigan. This season is expected to be a mixed bag, with both El Niño and La Niña playing significant roles. El Niño, known for warmer and drier conditions, has been hanging around longer than usual. La Niña, which typically brings cold and snowy weather, is arriving late and seems to be weaker than expected. This unusual timing could mean unpredictable weather patterns for Michigan. La Niña usually arrives earlier in the year, but this time it's showing up late. Past late arrivals have been weak, so this year's La Niña might not have its full impact. Instead of consistent cold weather, Michiganders could face both cold and mild spells. Above-average precipitation is predicted for the entire state, which could lead to heavy rain or freezing rain during mild periods. However, if this happens during a cold snap, ski resorts might benefit from increased snowfall. It's important to note that weak La Niña events can allow other climate factors to influence the weather. This could result in unexpected weather patterns throughout the season. So, Michiganders should be ready for a diverse range of winter conditions this year.