The Philadelphia area can expect a wetter winter due to the El Niño climate pattern, according to the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center. While the region faces a 33 to 40 percent chance of above-average precipitation, there’s no drought concern. However, this increased moisture won’t necessarily translate to higher snowfall totals, as temperatures are predicted to be higher than usual, says NOAA.
AccuWeather and other long-range forecasters anticipate a snowier and colder winter, with El Niño’s influence. Multiple nor’easters are expected in January and February, potentially delivering substantial snowfall to cities like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. AccuWeather predicts 18-26 inches in New York City and 16-24 inches in Philadelphia, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
Furthermore, the Farmer’s Almanac forecasts a season of winter rain, sleet, and snow for the Northeast, including the I-95 corridor from Washington to Boston, providing a stark contrast to the previous year’s minimal wintry precipitation.