Summary (tl;dr)

The phrase "big snow coming" is trending due to recently released 2026-2027 winter forecasts from prominent almanacs and weather agencies predicting above-average snowfall in several key regions across the United States, driven by a strengthening El Niño.

Essential Background

Long-range winter forecasts are annual predictions made by various meteorological and traditional forecasting bodies, like The Old Farmer's Almanac and Farmers' Almanac, which consider atmospheric and oceanic patterns to project upcoming winter conditions. These forecasts are often released in late summer or early fall, generating public interest as people prepare for the colder months. A significant climate driver, El Niño, characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, frequently influences global weather patterns, often leading to distinct impacts on winter precipitation and temperatures in North America.

The Full Story

"Big snow coming" is trending as the Old Farmer's Almanac and Farmers' Almanac have released their 2026-2027 winter outlooks, forecasting above-normal snowfall for specific areas of the United States. The Old Farmer's Almanac, which published its forecast on August 28, 2026, identifies four regions expecting above-average snow, with the earliest significant snowfall potentially beginning in late November. Simultaneously, discussions are intensifying around a strengthening El Niño event, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) indicating a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño developing during the upcoming Northern Hemisphere fall and winter. This "Super" El Niño is anticipated to enhance a southern jet stream, potentially delivering substantial moisture and heavy precipitation, including snow, to regions such as California, the Sierra Nevada, the Southwest, and the Southern Rockies.

Why It Matters

This trend is significant because it directly impacts winter preparedness for millions across the United States, influencing everything from travel plans and home maintenance to the agricultural sector and winter sports industries. Heavy snowfall forecasts can raise concerns about potential disruptions, power outages, and the need for snow removal, while also generating excitement among winter sports enthusiasts. The expected influence of a "Super" El Niño further emphasizes the potential for an impactful winter season, prompting individuals and communities to closely monitor evolving weather patterns and prepare for the specific challenges and opportunities that a heavy snow season may bring.

Geographic Location

• Central New England, United States (above-normal snowfall forecasted)
• Appalachian Mountains, United States (above-normal snowfall forecasted, particularly northern Appalachians in West Virginia and Virginia)
• Intermountain Region, United States (above-normal snowfall forecasted)
• Pacific Northwest, United States (above-normal snowfall forecasted, including Washington, Oregon, and Idaho)
• Alaska, United States (above-normal snowfall forecasted)
• California, United States (deluge of moisture and above-average precipitation/snowfall, especially Sierra Nevada, Southern California)
• New Mexico, United States (above-average precipitation/snowfall)
• Arizona, United States (above-average precipitation/snowfall)
• Southern Rockies, United States (above-average precipitation/snowfall)
• Southwest, United States (above-average precipitation/snowfall)