After an unseasonably warm September and early October, the weather has begun to change.
Earlier this month, southeast Wisconsin experienced record high heat. Some of the temperatures recorded for October in Milwaukee and the surrounding counties were as high as 86 degrees. Certain areas reported that their thermometers even crossed the 90 degree mark.
However, as all Wisconsinites know, the hot streak can’t last.
A developing La Niña pattern is expected to severely impact the weather in southeastern Wisconsin from winter of 2025 through to spring of 2026.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service have both stated that this upcoming La Niña will help shape much of this coming winter’s weather conditions.
This pattern will strongly align with other, similar patterns that have seen areas experiencing below normal temperatures and above average precipitation.
Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Racine are usually used as a sample for helping determine these patterns, especially due to their location west of Lake Michigan and south of other Great Lakes.
The coldest period is expected to be between the middle of January through to the end of February. There may be occasional periods of warming and even the possibility for several infrequent thaws, but the general prediction indicates below average temperatures that could easily fall sub zero.
This year there is also a higher than average likelihood of increased snowfall.
According to the 2025-2026 Farmers Almanac, this year is allegedly best described as: “Chill, snow, repeat”.
This indicates that this winter will be incredibly cold and may see lots of snow- Good news for those hoping for a white Christmas.
La Niña is a climate pattern that is known for having cooler than average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
The cooling is caused by strong eastern winds, which are also noticeable characteristics of La Niña. It is a part of a global weather pattern system, alongside the El Niño, which helps determines global weather changes.
La Niña is often known for producing snowy conditions and bitter cold in the midwest. In contrast, El Niño is often known for its warm temperatures.
