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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — With meteorological winter just weeks away, the Oregon Chapter of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) hosted its 33rd annual Winter Weather Forecast Conference at OMSI on Saturday.
A weak La Niña is taking shape over the Pacific Ocean and could influence the winter season over the Pacific Northwest. Portland’s last winter season was impacted by the Pacific Ocean waters sitting on the fringe of a weak La Niña. A strong La Niña typically brings cooler and wetter weather to the Pacific Northwest. However, the 2024-2025 winter season was relatively mild considering what’s normal for a La Niña year. The mild trend was likely due to the Pacific Ocean remaining closer to a neutral state.
Another weak La Niña is taking shape this year. So, a similar winter pattern could take shape for the 2025-2026 winter season. That was the topic of conversation during the AMS Conference Saturday. The chance for Portland to see snow remains, but timing and accumulation totals still remain uncertain.
“You know we can talk about outlooks all we want, but it really comes down to what’s in that next seven to 14 days. If you start hearing more things, get your ears perked up and be ready to be prepared. So, what really counts is in that short term and how ready you really are,” said Tanja Fransen, Meteorologist in Charge at Portland’s National Weather Service.
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Josh Cozart
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