As the year draws to a close, weather experts are warning that La Niña is making a comeback. This natural climate pattern could bring one of the coldest winters in recent years for many parts of the world. While it is not fully confirmed how severe the cold will be, forecasters agree that the signs are pointing toward a significant shift in global weather patterns.
What Is La Niña?
La Niña is the cooler phase of a climate cycle known as El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). It occurs when the surface waters of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become colder than normal. This cooling changes wind and pressure systems across the globe, which then affects rainfall, storms, and seasonal temperatures.
La Niña is the opposite of El Niño, which warms Pacific waters and often leads to hotter, drier conditions in many regions. Together, these phases swing back and forth every few years, shaping the world’s climate in powerful ways.
How Often Does La Niña Occur?
On average, La Niña returns every 2 to 7 years. Most events last around 9 to 12 months, but sometimes they can stretch into two years. The last notable La Niña stretched from 2020 to 2022, an unusual “triple-dip” event that lasted three consecutive winters.
Expected Impacts of the 2025–26 La Niña
According to NOAA and the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, there is a 70% chance that La Niña conditions will develop by late 2025. Forecasters expect it to be a weak to moderate event, but even moderate La Niñas can have widespread effects.
Here’s what different regions might experience:
North America: Colder, snowier conditions in the northern U.S. and Canada, with drier, warmer winters in the south.
South Asia (including Pakistan and India): Colder and longer winters in northern areas, with less moisture in some regions but heavy snowfall possible in the mountains.
Australia and Southeast Asia: Wetter than usual, with higher risks of flooding and cyclones.
South America: Drier conditions in countries like Peru and Chile, but more rainfall in Brazil and surrounding areas.
Africa: Eastern regions may see unusual rainfall patterns, while others may face drought.
Will It Be the Coldest Winter in Decades?
Many headlines call this the “coldest winter in decades,” but experts remain cautious. Current forecasts point to colder-than-normal conditions in many regions, but whether it breaks records depends on several other factors, such as:
The strength of the polar vortex in the Northern Hemisphere.
Snow cover across Siberia, Canada, and northern Europe.
Other ocean and atmospheric patterns that may amplify or weaken La Niña’s effects.
So, while this winter may indeed feel harsher than the last few years, calling it the absolute coldest is still uncertain.
Preparing for La Niña’s Winter
For everyday people, the return of La Niña means preparing for more unpredictable weather. In colder regions, this could mean higher heating costs, more snowstorms, and travel disruptions. In flood-prone areas, the risk of heavy rains and storms increases. Farmers and businesses also need to plan ahead, as shifts in rainfall and temperatures can affect crops and supply chains.
La Niña is a reminder of how interconnected our planet’s systems are. A change in Pacific Ocean temperatures can ripple across the globe, shaping winters, summers, storms, and even economies. While we cannot stop it, we can prepare for its impacts.
As La Niña returns, keep an eye on local forecasts, plan for colder weather if you live in affected regions, and stay updated as scientists track how strong this event will become. One thing is clear: this winter will not be an ordinary one.