La Niña conditions are present and are expected to persist through December–February, according to the Climate Prediction Center, which forecasts a shift to neutral during January–March 2026.
Forecasters say a La Niña winter typically brings below‑normal temperatures to the Northern Plains while precipitation signals remain mixed. NOAA’s seasonal outlook reflects that pattern, showing colder odds for much of the region and no strong precipitation bias.
The National Weather Service office in Sioux Falls said the region typically sees a higher chance for below‑normal temperatures and equal chances for precipitation during La Niña winters, according to information shared Friday by city emergency manager Regan Smith.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration predicts that households relying on electricity for heating will see about a four percent increase in winter costs, while natural gas bills will remain relatively flat and propane prices may ease thanks to strong inventories, the agency said.
Meteorologists note that La Niña often alters the jet stream into a wave pattern, funneling Arctic air into the north and nudging storm tracks northward. That raises the risk of frequent cold snaps, though it does not guarantee steady snowfall.
Local governments should prepare for freeze–thaw cycles, icy roads, and abrupt temperature swings. Utilities and heating providers may face higher demand without a matching boost in precipitation. Officials advise residents to monitor local National Weather Service forecasts, adjust thermostat settings, and winterize equipment early.
Bottom line: La Niña tilts the odds toward a colder winter in the Northern Plains, but precipitation remains uncertain. Follow updates from the Climate Prediction Center and your local National Weather Service office for evolving forecasts.
