North Idaho's Winter Weather: La Niña's Wet Impact

La Niña is making its presence felt in North Idaho, possibly leading to a wetter winter ahead. This weather pattern has been classified as weak, but it could still bring more snow and rain than usual. The Climate Prediction Center, along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has shared a three-month forecast covering December, January, and February. Jeremy Wolf, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Spokane, highlights that La Niña often brings more snow than typical winters. Currently, there's a 55% chance that La Niña will persist through the winter, influencing the region's weather. The forecast, released on October 16, suggests a 33% to 40% chance of colder temperatures for North Idaho. Many areas in Idaho, especially those near Montana, are expected to see above-normal precipitation. However, Wolf advises caution, as there's still uncertainty about how the winter will unfold. Historically, La Niña winters tend to be cooler and wetter than average. Coeur d’Alene usually gets around 51 inches of precipitation in a typical winter. But during past La Niña events, the area has seen an average of 63 inches. This difference is significant and worth noting. In contrast, El Niño events have generally led to lower snowfall totals. Winter officially starts on December 21, with the winter solstice, and ends on March 19, with the spring equinox. The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a mild winter with mixed precipitation and varying snow amounts in the Intermountain region, which includes Idaho. The almanac also forecasts above-normal temperatures, with the coldest periods expected in late November, early December, and early February.