Winter is getting closer, and while some parts of the country are already looking ahead to colder temperatures, there’s another part of the forecast that snow lovers will want to keep an eye on. The coming season has a few interesting details, according to the National Weather Service and AccuWeather, including where the biggest snowfall totals could show up.
With November bringing us closer to the official start of winter, it’s a good time to look at what’s ahead. The winter outlook points to some cooler-than-average conditions, but a couple of specific locations stand out when it comes to the possibility of seeing more snow.
Where The Most Snow Is Expected This Winter
According to AccuWeather senior meteorologist Chad Merrill, New Mexico, Arizona and west Texas are expected to see the coolest temperatures compared to the 30-year average. But for those waiting for a good snowfall, the Sierra and Mogollon Rim in Arizona are the locations highlighted for the most snow.
That’s an interesting part of the forecast, especially for Arizona, Merrill says, where the Mogollon Rim is among the places expected to see significant snowfall. The Sierra is also included in the outlook, making both locations worth watching as the winter season gets underway.
The forecast also identifies New Mexico, Arizona and west Texas as the parts of the country expected to experience the coolest temperatures compared to the 30-year average. While colder temperatures don’t automatically guarantee snow, they are an important part of the winter picture. For anyone hoping to see snow this season, the Sierra and Mogollon Rim are the two locations to keep on the radar.
When Winter Officially Begins In 2026
Winter will be here before we know it. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the winter solstice falls on Monday, Dec. 21, 2026, at 3:50 p.m. EST.
However, meteorologists don’t wait until the solstice to consider winter underway. The National Weather Service and AccuWeather researchers use December, January and February as the winter season. Using the same three months each year makes it easier to compare weather patterns from one year to the next.
Depending on the calendar, meteorological winter lasts either 91 or 92 days. That means winter officially begins for meteorologists on Dec. 1, even though the astronomical winter solstice doesn’t arrive until later in the month. With the season approaching, the Sierra and Mogollon Rim are two places snow watchers may want to keep an eye on.
