A remarkably warm winter continues to impact much of the American West, with many areas recording unprecedented low levels of mountain snowpack. The period from November 2025 to January 2026 marked the warmest winter to date since records began in 1895, as highlighted by mapping data from the Western Regional Climate Center. While southern California’s Central Valley experienced its share of distinct tule fog events, the rest of the region has been unusually warm, despite a mix of precipitation levels—some areas saw a wet start to the season while others remained dry, particularly parts of Utah and Colorado.
As of February 7, every single western watershed was below average in snow water equivalent, with notable exceptions in some higher elevation regions, such as the southern Sierra Nevada and the northern Rockies, where earlier heavy snowfall has managed to persist despite the ongoing warmth. Observations indicate that this winter has prompted strange behavior among wildlife and altered patterns in tourism across mountain towns. Concerns are escalating around wildfire risks and reduced water supply throughout the coming months, especially for the interior West and Pacific Northwest.
In stark contrast, much of the eastern U.S. has been facing its coldest stretch in decades, characterized by a series of disruptive ice and snow storms, showcasing the distinct “Warm West/Cool East” weather pattern. This unusual setup is attributed to a robust ridge in the West and a trough in the East, contributing to the cold wave impacting the Eastern states.
Excitingly, a change in the weather pattern is on the horizon, promising cooler temperatures, rain, and even mountain snow across various parts of the Western U.S. A low-pressure system is set to move over California, bringing much-needed moisture to regions in and around San Francisco, with potential thunderstorms and higher mountain snowfall expected. Although this storm will initially bring warmer temperatures, colder air will soon follow, potentially lowering snow levels in the Sierra.
Following this initial storm, forecasts suggest that a series of additional systems may bring even more substantial precipitation to the West Coast and interior regions over the next week or two. This pattern shift is anticipated to create opportunities for moderate to heavy rain, along with localized strong winds and significant mountain snowfall. While complete erasure of the current snow deficits appears unlikely, these weather developments could help alleviate some of the existing drought conditions.
A notable marine heatwave persists along California’s coast, which may contribute to increased pre-storm moisture in the atmosphere, possibly enhancing precipitation rates and bringing about localized thunderstorms as the storms arrive.
Looking ahead, while a beneficial storm cycle would unfold over the next couple of weeks, the weather patterns after this period remain uncertain. Potential developments in the polar vortex might set the stage for further fluctuations, signaling that while relief might come, the situation will continue to evolve.
In a public outreach effort, a series of lectures discussing the complexities of changing weather patterns and their impacts on California were recently held, inviting renewed public awareness and engagement on this critical issue. Individuals eager to deepen their understanding of the upcoming weather changes and the associated conditions for mountain snowpack are encouraged to participate in live discussions scheduled in the coming days.