Here’s Why This Winter May Be Snowier Than Usual in Michigan

If you're in Michigan, now might be a good time to make sure that snowblower's ready for a workout this upcoming winter - or at least get your snow shovel while it's off-season.

The most recent long-range forecasts from the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center suggest that much of the state could be in line to experience a wetter than normal winter during 2024-25.

SEE ALSO: Why This Coming Winter Could Be Michigan's Coldest in Years

Winter doesn't even officially begin until December, but check this out.

First Look at Michigan's Upcoming Winter Precip Forecast

For the 3-month period beginning November 1, the Climate Prediction Center has most of Michigan from around the I-94 corridor northward as "leaning above" normal when it comes to precipitation during those months. Temperature forecasts from the CPC for the period don't show any remarkable shifts from normal - hence, any precipitation that falls, especially during the latter part of that time frame, would likely be of the frozen variety.

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Shifting to the 3-month period beginning December 1, the area of confidence in above normal precipitation grows to include all of Michigan and most of its surrounding states.

Taking a look at the 3-month period beginning January 1, most of Lower Michigan is still predicted to have above normal precipitation, while the threat lessens a little bit for the Upper Peninsula.

Toward the end of winter (the 3-month period beginning February 1), the Climate Prediction Center continues to believe most of Lower Michigan has better-than-even chances at above normal precipitation.

Why Is Michigan Expected to Get Above Normal Precipitation This Winter?

Here's where the Climate Prediction Center gets all scientific.

A La Niña watch is currently in effect and is favored to develop during August-September-October (70% chance) and persist into the Northern Hemisphere winter 2024-25 (79% chance) during November-December-January. As summer wanes and winter approaches, the overall temperature and precipitation patterns across the contiguous U.S. and Alaska are expected to transition to those associated with typical La Niña impacts.

So what are "typical La Niña impacts"? According to drought.gov, "La Niña winters tend to have above-normal snowpack across the Great Lakes."

SEE ALSO: 5 Reasons You Shouldn't Shovel Your Snow This Winter

Want to plan your escape from a snowy Michigan winter now?

La Niña typically translates to warmer-than-average and drier winters in the South - making that Florida bungalow even more tempting.