Are You Ready for a Snowier Than Normal Minnesota Winter?

Yet another outlook is predicting a snowier than normal winter for Minnesota.

The Farmer's Almanac, the Old Farmer's Almanac, the National Weather Service, woolly bear caterpillars, grandma's left knee -- Minnesotans use a lot of different resources to try and determine the harshness of an upcoming winter.

This winter looks like its going to be a La Nina winter, meaning our weather will be influenced by cooler than normal waters in the Pacific. We were in a El Nino pattern last winter, with warmer than average waters in the Pacific.

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What Does a La Nina Pattern Mean for Minnesota?

While no two La Nina winters are alike, a La Nina pattern often means that storm systems are pushed from the southern U.S. into the northern portions of the country.

After a dry and warm start to autumn, things have begun to return to more seasonable temperatures across southern Minnesota as highs have begun settling in the 50s and 60s. The average high in southern Minnesota for mid-October is 59.

Accuweather's Winter 2024-2025 Winter Outlook

Accuweather predicts that the cooler than normal waters in the Pacific Ocean, combined with warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico will both have an impact on Minnesota's precipitation this winter, bringing what they say will likely be more snow than normal across the region.

In general, Accuweather also predicts near-normal to slightly warmer than normal temperatures for southern Minnesota over the course of the winter. More specifically, they're calling for a seasonably cold start and end to this winter, with a more mild period during the middle of the season.

As Minnesotans we know one thing for sure; be ready for anything -- 'and we'll believe it when we see it.' Have your snowblower and sleds ready, because it might snow a lot (but then again maybe it won't).