According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 2025–2026 winter season in New York will likely bring above-average temperatures and average precipitation—but snow lovers shouldn’t rule out surprises. La Niña occurs when Pacific Ocean waters near the equator are cooler than normal, which can shift atmospheric patterns and jet streams. While the NOAA outlook only predicts average precipitation, that doesn’t mean snowfall will be low. In Syracuse, for example, more snow has historically fallen during weak La Niña seasons compared to stronger ones. The NewsChannel 9 Storm Team is expected to release its detailed Central New York winter outlook on Wednesday, November 12.