NOAA releases initial winter outlook: How it looks for Alabama

If you’re hoping for another massive snowfall across Alabama this winter, you may be out luck.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released its first outlook for winter 2025-26 and it looks like Alabama is set for above average temperatures with most of the state expected to get below average precipitation.

The newest outlook studies the El Niño and La Niña, the warm and cool phases of a recurring climate pattern across the
tropical Pacific Ocean that can affect weather worldwide.

“Current guidance suggests a weak and short duration La Niña, but still favors cooler and wetter conditions for the Northern Plains… Warmer-than-average temperatures are favored from the southern tier of the U.S. to the eastern seaboard and northern Alaska.”

NOAA

The administration also says the greatest likelihood for drier-than-average conditions are over the southeast with dryer-than-normal is favored across all of the southern tier states.

Is snow still possible?

The short answer—yes.

This is a very, very early outlook on what winter as whole will look like here in Alabama. And we could easily have above average temperatures along with below average precipitation while still having some snow days.

If you’re a fan of the snow and you’re looking for some good news, last year’s first winter outlook from the NOAA predicted an even drier + warmer season. But we still had one of the most historic snowfalls in Alabama’s recorded history.

NOAA also released a deeper look at the current drought across much of the country + how it could continue into the winter. Unless there is several days of unexpected + heavy precipitation, most of Alabama (excluding areas north of the Tennessee River) will see drought conditions persist.

Snow covers northern half of Alabama [PHOTOS]

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