La Niña Is Back—Get Ready for a Wild Michigan Winter

Brace yourselves, Michigan. La Niña is making a comeback this fall, and if you're a fan of winter and extreme weather, you're gonna be a happy camper. As for the rest of us who tolerate Michigan's winter months so we can enjoy the brief interlude between snowflakes, get ready because the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts the waters in the Pacific Ocean are about to take an ice-cold dive. This means winter is going to give you every reason to invest in a new shovel or snowblower.

What Does the Pacific Ocean Temperature and La Nina Have to Do with Michigan?

So, how does the temperature of the Pacific Ocean, thousands of miles away from our freshwater peninsulas, impact Michigan weather? That's a good question. When the surface temperatures of the Pacific Ocean cool down, it starts a domino effect that messes with weather patterns across the globe. This wonderful occurrence is called La Niña.

For Michigan, it means we're about to experience a colder and snowier winter than we've had in a few years. Yes, more snow. Sorry.

Michigan Winter 2024-25: Snow Days Galore?

NOAA gives La Nina a 74% chance of sticking around throughout the winter months, which almost guarantees we'll be buried by snow before you can say "Ope." If your not a fan of the white stuff, move south. The Southern states are forecasted to get a warmer, more mild winter, while the Nothern Plains are bracing themselves for predicted bitter cold temperatures.

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There you go. Michiganders, get ready and get layered up. La Nina is coming, and she's bringing Winter back to Michigan with a vengeance. Make sure you have your snow scraper in your car and plenty of salt ready to throw on your driveway. Hopefully, we won't see a historic snowstorm like we did in 1978. Here's a look at the impact that legendary storm had on the Mitten State.