The First Snowfall Forecast 2025-2026 and arrival of snowfall season brings a mix of emotions for many people. The early flakes signal the start of holiday celebrations and cozy nights by the fire, creating a festive and comforting atmosphere. However, alongside these positive feelings, the first snow also brings the reality of potential travel disruptions, with flight delays and hazardous driving conditions becoming more common.
Schools may need to shift schedules or close temporarily due to icy roads and unsafe travel conditions, impacting families and communities. The early snowflakes remind everyone to prepare for winter’s challenges, balancing the joy of the season with the practical concerns of safety and mobility. Overall, the first snowfall symbolizes both the excitement of winter festivities and the need for caution and readiness as the cold season begins to affect daily life.
First Snowfall Forecast 2025-2026
The 2025-2026 winter forecast from AccuWeather predicts an intense and stormy season for parts of the United States, particularly across the Midwest, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, Northeast, and mid-Atlantic regions. The winter is expected to be a “bookend” season, with the most significant storms occurring at the beginning and end of winter, while a midwinter lull could temporarily reduce snowfall.
It can be an intense stormy winter for areas of the country, particularly across the Midwest, Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, Northeast and parts of the mid-Atlantic, AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said.
First Snowfall Timing and Regional Forecast
The first snowfall forecast for the 2025-2026 winter season indicates the start of winter’s snowy arrival across the United States with a timeline and regional details:
| Region | Timing | Snowfall and Weather Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Rockies | September – Early October | Early dustings on high peaks, spreading to Rockies and Utah |
| Pacific Northwest | Late October | Snow in Washington Cascades and Oregon |
| Upper Midwest | Late October – November | Snow expands to Upper Midwest, heavy lake-effect snow near Great Lakes |
| Northeast & New England | Late October – December | First measurable snow by December, possibility of north Easters |
| Central Plains & Mid-Atlantic | November – December | Snow spreads to Kansas, Midwest, Pittsburgh, Boston |
| Southern States | Late December – January | Possible snow in northern parts (Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee) |
| Deep South & Florida | Rare snowfall | Mostly warm |
| Western Mountains | Variable; early in Rockies | Dry and warm conditions with some December snowstorms |
Early winter storms
In December, we think there’s going to be some [storm] systems coming out of western Canada and diving into the middle of the country, then coming along the mid-Atlantic coast. These storms could arrive just before the holidays.
Early winter storms in the USA for the 2025-2026 season are expected to have notable impacts, especially across the central and eastern regions:
- These storms typically originate from Canada, moving into the Midwest before pushing toward the Mid-Atlantic and New England areas.
- Some storms may develop into nor’easters, powerful coastal winter storms that can bring heavy snow, strong winds, and disruptive weather conditions to the Northeast.
- Early December is a critical period when these winter systems may become more frequent and intense, arriving just ahead of the holiday season.
- These storms could bring the first measurable snowfalls of the season to many northern and northeastern cities, creating hazardous travel conditions and potential disruptions.
Top 12 Snowiest Places (2025/2026 Winter Season)
| Rank | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Buffalo, New York | 90-100 inches expected; heavy lake-effect snow |
| 2 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Significant snowfall predicted |
| 3 | Bismarck, North Dakota | Notable snow totals forecast |
| 4 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Early mountain snow expected |
| 5 | Fargo, North Dakota | Heavy snow forecast in Northern Plains |
| 6 | Duluth, Minnesota | Lake-effect snow likely |
| 7 | Rochester, New York | Large snow totals, ski regions |
| 8 | Erie, Pennsylvania | Lake-effect snow significant |
| 9 | Anchorage, Alaska | Early season heavy snow |
| 10 | Marquette, Michigan | Upper Peninsula heavy snow |
| 11 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Mountain snowfall |
| 12 | Mount Washington, NH | High snowfall in mountainous region |
These places are expected to receive some of the highest snowfall amounts during the 2025-2026 winter, influenced by lake-effect snow, mountain elevations, and early winter storm activity. Buffalo, New York stands out with one of the highest anticipated snowfall totals around 90 to 100 inches, close to its historical averages.
The Midwest, northern Plains, Great Lakes, and mountain regions across the West will also see increased snowfall compared to recent years, driven by snowstorms and lake-effect snow this winter season.
Travel Advisory
The first snowfall forecast for the 2025-2026 winter in the USA anticipates early snow on mountain peaks in Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado spreading to the northern and northeastern states by November and December.
The season is expected to be colder and snowier than recent years, with significant snowfall especially in the Northeast, Midwest, Great Lakes, and northern Rockies regions. Regarding travel advisory linked to this forecast:
- Travelers in or planning to visit northern, mountainous, or northeastern American regions from late fall through winter should prepare for snowy and icy conditions that could impact road travel.
- Winter weather can cause delays or disruptions in transportation including flights, highways, and local transit, especially in early snowfall areas and during peak snow months.
- It is advisable to monitor local weather forecasts frequently for updated conditions, carry winter safety gear, and check travel advisories issued by state and local authorities.
- Travelers should also be aware of potential cold temperatures accompanying snow, which may require appropriate clothing and preparation for outdoor activities.
- No specific federal travel advisories currently restrict travel due to snowfall, but standard winter weather cautions apply for safety.
FAQs On First Snowfall Forecast
When will the first snow fall?
Early snowfall may start in September in high mountain areas, spreading widely by October and November.
Which regions will get the most snow?
The snowiest areas include Buffalo, NY, the Great Lakes, Upper Midwest, Northeast, Northern Rockies, and some western mountain regions.
Will southern states get snow?
Snow in southern states is rare but possible in northern parts during late December or January.
What is influencing this winter’s weather?
A weak La Nina is expected to persist, bringing colder, snowier conditions to northern US areas.
How will travel be affected?
Travel disruptions are expected during major winter storms, especially in the Midwest and Northeast.
